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On February 14th our mom Sandy Ford was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Three days later another CT scan revealed a brain tumor as well. Both tumors are inoperable and our time with her to make memories is short. No one was prepared to receive the devastating news about our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. After all, she is a spunky 66 year old, barely retired! We were told six months to two years and it has broken our hearts. Either way, it is not enough time. We are asking for help in order that her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and long-distance friends will have the opportunity to visit her, take care of her needs and participate in checking off the items still left on her “bucket list.”
Mom has already undergone 15 radiation treatments for the brain tumor and has begun chemotherapy for the colon cancer which has recently left her unable to care for herself. Her attitude towards her diagnosis, prognosis and ongoing treatment has been nothing short of miraculous. She is filled with gratitude, awe at God’s plan for her life, and complete trust. She is truly amazing; a woman of great faith. She blesses EVERYONE that she knows (and doesn’t know) with laughter, encouragement and love! Mom recently started losing her hair, disturbingly in large clumps, but she said “I’m not afraid. NOT-A-FRAID. I can’t wait to wear those hats!”
As with any terminal illness there are many unforeseen costs to the family and they are starting to add up. Mom already has a very limited income without the additional expenses of being sick. Not everything is covered by Medicare or Medical Assistance (including end of life expenses.) We are also incurring costs, as well as reduced incomes, from taking periodic leaves from work and traveling to see her. Much time has already been devoted to attending mom’s appointments, picking up and paying for prescriptions, coordinating care services, keeping everyone informed and simply being together. Since her first round of chemo, one of us has begun staying with her almost 24 hours a day because she is so weak. This was an unexpected turn of events and leaves us wondering if death is looming closer than we expected. If possible, we’d like to be able to take extended leaves from our jobs in order to be with mom and care for her increasing needs. In trying to plan visits with various family members and friends from out of state, it is becoming apparent that airline tickets, lodging, other travel expenses and lost income will prohibit many from coming to see her. To have all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings’ families together for a final goodbye would be an amazing blessing.
Our mom lives in Faribault, Minnesota where her middle son and family reside. The rest of her children, grandchildren, siblings, and long-time friends live in California and Washington. Mom moved to Minnesota 5 years ago after the untimely death of her special friend Ron. Not long after her move our oldest brother David, still in California, died of a heart attack at age 40. Our dad, Rocky, battled alcoholism and died in 2000. Unfortunately, mom is all-too familiar with loss and thus cherishes her family and friends deeply. Being able to spend time with these precious people who are far away is her heart’s desire. The path mom’s life has taken has never been easy, but she has never given up. She lives her life filled with the Lord’s joy, peace and triumph.
Thank you to those who have given money, time and encouragement already. Your prayers are deeply appreciated too! Please feel free to share this with others who may like to bless our family with further support.
In love, Dave, Dan & Damon Ford Families
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