McNaughton Medical Fund
Donation protected
The McNaughton Family comes up in conversations amongst my family and friends quite frequently, and I think that goes for a lot of people who have had the pleasure of meeting them and getting to know them. They have overcome many obstacles, put others before themselves, and most importantly, live by the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
When you first see the McNaughton Family, the first thing that comes to mind is that they seem to have it all together. They do things together as a family, take care of one another, are active members of the community and their church, and have so many people that love and support them. Not many people are aware of the struggles they have recently had to face because they focus on others rather than themselves and rarely ever complain about anything they are trying to overcome.
In September of 2013, two big things happened for the McNaughton family. They had been going through training and looking into the possibility of become foster parents to a pair of lucky siblings. They got a call that a brother and sister needed a pre-adoptive foster home. Erin and Alan were excited, but soon after found out that Erin had a rare cancer in her head just under the skin and would require surgeries to get the cancer out. Due to the unknown, the McNaughton’s decided that it was not the best time for their family to take in the two little ones who needed a stable home environment. The siblings were placed into another home and Erin and Alan thought all was working out so they felt better about declining. Erin went through multiple surgeries in September and October while their family tried to go on as normal. After her last surgery that year, the McNaughton’s got a call telling the family that the siblings were again looking for a home because the placement did not work out. Even though Erin and Alan had a lot to go through physically and financially, they decided that after a few visits with the children, that they were meant to be in their family. They welcomed Chris, 3, and Terri, 4, into their homes with open arms on November 1, 2013.
Things were very overwhelming with the significant changes in the McNaugthon family, especially after Erin’s surgeries. Thankfully Erin and Alan were told that the surgeries were the end and radiation was not recommended.
After 1.5 challenging years, Erin and Alan finally got the call that everything was final with paperwork and the McNaughton family officially grew- Teri and Chris were legally adopted and the family was complete!
One month later, Erin went in for her six-month checkup at the dermatologist. Three bumps and some lymph nodes were of concern so a biopsy was conducted and Erin once again had to hear the heartbreaking news that the same cancer was back. These areas required surgery by a neck surgeon and it turned out that Erin’s brother’s future father-in-law was the top neck surgeon in New Hanover and they insisted that she get an appointment with him. Erin underwent surgery in November to remove the infected tissue and lymph nodes. She had to stay in the hospital with a drainage line and then was able to go home the next day. It took about a week of recovery, but Erin knew that the daunting task of radiation was just around the corner. Radiation began in January with 32 visits (Monday-Friday each week).
Erin and Alan have had a lot of hope and faith during this difficult time, but we all know that financial burdens like this can hit a family hard. Erin is a teacher and Alan is an assistant principal who just took on a second part-time job to help with finances. His job is extremely exhausting, but having to take on a second job takes away time from his family and loved ones.
Cancer is an ugly disease and can linger in our minds long after it is killed causing major stress and anxiety for a family and their loved ones. Erin and Alan deserve nothing but the best, so let’s get together and show our support because we all know they would do the same for us! Donations will go to hospital bills and living expenses.
When you first see the McNaughton Family, the first thing that comes to mind is that they seem to have it all together. They do things together as a family, take care of one another, are active members of the community and their church, and have so many people that love and support them. Not many people are aware of the struggles they have recently had to face because they focus on others rather than themselves and rarely ever complain about anything they are trying to overcome.
In September of 2013, two big things happened for the McNaughton family. They had been going through training and looking into the possibility of become foster parents to a pair of lucky siblings. They got a call that a brother and sister needed a pre-adoptive foster home. Erin and Alan were excited, but soon after found out that Erin had a rare cancer in her head just under the skin and would require surgeries to get the cancer out. Due to the unknown, the McNaughton’s decided that it was not the best time for their family to take in the two little ones who needed a stable home environment. The siblings were placed into another home and Erin and Alan thought all was working out so they felt better about declining. Erin went through multiple surgeries in September and October while their family tried to go on as normal. After her last surgery that year, the McNaughton’s got a call telling the family that the siblings were again looking for a home because the placement did not work out. Even though Erin and Alan had a lot to go through physically and financially, they decided that after a few visits with the children, that they were meant to be in their family. They welcomed Chris, 3, and Terri, 4, into their homes with open arms on November 1, 2013.
Things were very overwhelming with the significant changes in the McNaugthon family, especially after Erin’s surgeries. Thankfully Erin and Alan were told that the surgeries were the end and radiation was not recommended.
After 1.5 challenging years, Erin and Alan finally got the call that everything was final with paperwork and the McNaughton family officially grew- Teri and Chris were legally adopted and the family was complete!
One month later, Erin went in for her six-month checkup at the dermatologist. Three bumps and some lymph nodes were of concern so a biopsy was conducted and Erin once again had to hear the heartbreaking news that the same cancer was back. These areas required surgery by a neck surgeon and it turned out that Erin’s brother’s future father-in-law was the top neck surgeon in New Hanover and they insisted that she get an appointment with him. Erin underwent surgery in November to remove the infected tissue and lymph nodes. She had to stay in the hospital with a drainage line and then was able to go home the next day. It took about a week of recovery, but Erin knew that the daunting task of radiation was just around the corner. Radiation began in January with 32 visits (Monday-Friday each week).
Erin and Alan have had a lot of hope and faith during this difficult time, but we all know that financial burdens like this can hit a family hard. Erin is a teacher and Alan is an assistant principal who just took on a second part-time job to help with finances. His job is extremely exhausting, but having to take on a second job takes away time from his family and loved ones.
Cancer is an ugly disease and can linger in our minds long after it is killed causing major stress and anxiety for a family and their loved ones. Erin and Alan deserve nothing but the best, so let’s get together and show our support because we all know they would do the same for us! Donations will go to hospital bills and living expenses.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lindsay Baer Siemon
Organizer
Wilmington, NC
Alan and Erin McNaughton
Beneficiary