If you're looking to help someone in need this Holiday season...

[zoom-zoom]

My baby sister could really use some help. My 12 year old nephew, Damon, suddenly felt into coma last Monday. It was discovered that he has a brain stem tumor (glioma. Google it and be horrified). He survived a surgery that only has a 20% survival rate. But his biggest hurdle now is waking from coma. His doctors already expect that he may have suffered significant damage, as he was without oxygen for some time before paramedics arrived. If/when he wakes up radiation and drug treatment will immediately begin to shrink/eradicate the remaining tumor on his brain stem (as they can only remove so much without damaging that delicate area).

Needless to say, this poor kid has a really long and painful road ahead of him. And the odds of 1 year survival are incredibly low, unfortunately. I made a trip to WI for a couple of days last week, as I was called Tues. night when they didn't initially expect him to be a surgical candidate. I thought I was going to say my goodbyes as I made the drive last Weds. He stabilized enough for surgery on Thursday (my sister and her husband's 1 year wedding anniversary, incidentally) and pulled-through, so we all feel like there is hope that he could be the exception and one of those nothing-short-of-miraculous cases who survives long/longer-term.

Everything is still very unknown, but while they are with him at the Wisconsin Children's Hospital in Milwaukee they are 2 hours from their jobs and have the added stress of being unable to pay their basic living expenses. My folks are missing work, as well, as they are in Green Bay (90 minutes from their home) at my sister's home caring for my younger autistic nephew and getting him to school each day. If you are able to help my family out in even a small way, we'd all so enormously appreciate it. I set up a You Care page that deposits Paypal donations directly to my BIL's checking account. Already we've managed to raise enough to cover 2 months worth of their mortgage payments, but these bills are going to continue to rack-up and we're expecting him to be in the hospital well into 2014.

My sister has also set up a Caring Bridge page to journal his progress.

If you feel compelled to donate, my entire family thanks you. Any amount is enormously appreciated. Thank you.

[Catrin]

{{{{Zoom Zoom and family}}}}

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks, Catrin. We can use all the hugs we can get this year!

[OakLeaf]

((((((zoom-zoom, Damon & family)))))) What an awful thing to have to go through.

[smilingcat]

What a horrible news about your nephew. I've been thinking most of today on what to write, what to say. Words escape me because it is so rare that we face such devastating news. My heart goes out to Damon, his parents, to you and your husband and to all of Damon's relatives. Even though I only know you from this forum and what you post, the photos of your husband and your son on a tandem racing... it's not as though we are really good friends. Yet, the news still leaves all of us at a loss.

I wish I have words of wisdom to say or to pass how I really feel. One of few times in my life, words escape me.

Please accept my empathy for what you and all your family members are going through. And let us hope for the best outcome possible. We should never give up without trying.

I wish the best for Damon and all his family.

Sincerely,

Shawn

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks Ladies. I like to think Damon feels everyone pulling for him.

[zoom-zoom]

Hugs Kirsten. Please tell us what day. I have a superhero t-shirt and I would be happy to wear it.

Fri. is the tentative date. I love thinking that people far-flung have him in their thoughts.

[macski]

Fri. is the tentative date. I love thinking that people far-flung have him in their thoughts.

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family zoom-zoom (and it doesn't more far flung than Australia).

{{{{hugs}}}}

[jyyanks]

I'm so so sorry. Sending prayers and thoughts to you and your family.

[thekarens]

I haven't said anything because as a mother I know there's nothing that could be said to make anyone feel better and I've been at a loss as to what to say. I do want you to know that I've been thinking about you and your family and hugging my own boys knowing how blessed I am.

[Koronin]

(((hugs)))