The Barneses Need a Boost
Donation protected
Thanks for coming here. If you're reading this, it's likely you know me or my family well and want to know how you can support us--emotionally, financially, spiritually, mentally...So thank you already. It truly means a lot.
There's a solid chance you haven't caught wind of this, and we'd beg you not to mention it to our parents until they come to you in their own time, as we're hoping to show them your support as a Christmas gift. We know it would be a nice surprise and a HUGE source of hope when they need it the most!
THE PROBLEM
Let's get down to it. After a few years of increasing memory lapses, our dad (Doyle Barnes) was very recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers disease. It was a really tough blow to our family but oddly a relief to have a real, tangible source of our concern.
While still grappling with that reality, our dad went in for some throat trouble and, about a week later, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
If you know the person Doyle is, you won't be surprised to hear that he's still finding ways to make light of the situation and holding strong to his faith. Of course there's the occasional spot of fear in his eyes or catch in his voice, but he's working to embrace love and positivity over fear.
THE HOPE
As I'm writing this, he's recovering from having a feeding tube put in place to help him eat and gain weight. (He's a skinny fella these days!) Next steps are chemotherapy and radiation treatments, followed by surgery after a short recovery period.
Because the cancer is so established, he will have most of his esophagus and part of his stomach removed. It's going to be a long medical journey and, as you can imagine, one that will change what's "normal" for him and our mom for the rest of his long, joyful life. His Alzheimers is almost sure to present some unique challenges along the way.
THE GIFT
Our parents haven't and never would ask for help from anyone, even now. But if you felt inclined to help with any part of the weight they're carrying, we know it would really move them and give them a little extra room to breathe in all of this.
Again, we would ask that you not mention this fund to our parents until after the holidays. And if you see them in the meantime, just try to make them laugh!
Thank you for listening. <3
There's a solid chance you haven't caught wind of this, and we'd beg you not to mention it to our parents until they come to you in their own time, as we're hoping to show them your support as a Christmas gift. We know it would be a nice surprise and a HUGE source of hope when they need it the most!
THE PROBLEM
Let's get down to it. After a few years of increasing memory lapses, our dad (Doyle Barnes) was very recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers disease. It was a really tough blow to our family but oddly a relief to have a real, tangible source of our concern.
While still grappling with that reality, our dad went in for some throat trouble and, about a week later, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
If you know the person Doyle is, you won't be surprised to hear that he's still finding ways to make light of the situation and holding strong to his faith. Of course there's the occasional spot of fear in his eyes or catch in his voice, but he's working to embrace love and positivity over fear.
THE HOPE
As I'm writing this, he's recovering from having a feeding tube put in place to help him eat and gain weight. (He's a skinny fella these days!) Next steps are chemotherapy and radiation treatments, followed by surgery after a short recovery period.
Because the cancer is so established, he will have most of his esophagus and part of his stomach removed. It's going to be a long medical journey and, as you can imagine, one that will change what's "normal" for him and our mom for the rest of his long, joyful life. His Alzheimers is almost sure to present some unique challenges along the way.
THE GIFT
Our parents haven't and never would ask for help from anyone, even now. But if you felt inclined to help with any part of the weight they're carrying, we know it would really move them and give them a little extra room to breathe in all of this.
Again, we would ask that you not mention this fund to our parents until after the holidays. And if you see them in the meantime, just try to make them laugh!
Thank you for listening. <3
Organizer
Kiley Barnes
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN