a fund for alison
November 28, 2006
Things with Alison are pretty scary right now. We found out that not only is the chemo not working, but radiation is not an option either. The program was not approved by the FDA. So that leaves us with trying different forms of chemo and calling all the specialists in the country to see if they spot something Alison’s doctors here missed. She has such a rare form of cancer, it’s hard to grasp…
I am sitting in their empty house right now. My brother went to pick Alison up from getting blood. It’s strangely quiet and peaceful here. Like nothing is wrong in this moment. Like it’s all just a bad dream, and we’ll all wake up soon and sigh with relief.
I am here because that is how i feel I can best help: by being present. By listening and talking. By trying to make them laugh. By cleaning up and cooking. Taking some of the extras off their hands. And it feels good to just be with them. They have such a strong love and open hearts.
Now we pray for that miracle. Pray that one of the specialists has a trick up his/her sleeve. Pray for strength and grace.
A fund has been set up to help Tom and Alison out with medical expenses as well as emergencies (like their old air conditioner going out). It’s called A Dream for Alison, and you can donate via paypal if you feel moved to. Just go to Tom’s blog and click the ‘Make a Donation’ button that’s in the sidebar. Even five dollars makes a difference. Click here.
To those that donate for Alison… thank you so much. To those that cannot, thank you for your continued prayers. Everything helps.
November 28th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Gosh Penelope, I so know how you feel. I just got the call about an hour ago…
My father-in-law has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He’s been in
remission from bone cancer for more than a year and a half. Now this…My heart
goes out to your brother and sister-in-law and all your family. How blessed
they are to have loving family members and friends to help them in their
time of need.
T-
November 28th, 2006 at 7:43 pm
Hi Penelope,
I’m so sorry to hear that things aren’t going well with Allison’s treatment. I don’t know any of you, but I think
of all of you when I read your blog every day. If any of you are in Minnesota for treatments, I’ll pick you up at the
airport and get you to the Mayo Clinic/hotel/dive bar/paint store. Reach me at alam0033@umn.edu.
Take care,
Megan
November 29th, 2006 at 9:00 am
I am praying, praying and praying some more.
November 29th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
Allison is my prayers, may a miracle be blessed upon her and your family.
November 30th, 2006 at 8:29 am
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I do think that by just being there for her you are giving her a special gift. It really is important.
November 30th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
HI Penelope..you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please never lose hope…
-Michelle Lana
December 1st, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Dear Penelope,
Alison, her husband, you and all family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers..
I hope and pray that they will find a cure soon. I wish you all the best and
bless you for being there for them.
Take care.
Sophie
December 1st, 2006 at 6:55 pm
We are artists and I think we see, more than others, the beauty in the strangest places. Rust is death and decay yet the colors and patterns can be breathtaking. How awesome is peeling paint etc. The problem is when the rust shows up on MY car or the paint is peeling on MY house. Then I only see ugliness. See where I am going? Because I am standing from a distance and reading about your turmoil, all I see is beauty. The tightness of your family is to be envied. The love you have is something that many healthy people can’t begin to grasp. I don’t hardly know you guys but have been through very similar intense situations yet without the same level of tightness you have. Consider yourselves very blessed. I hope this doesn’t offend you. My tears and my prayers are for you. I hope God will feel closer than ever.
December 1st, 2006 at 9:36 pm
It is always difficult to know what to say in times like these, when we are outside looking in- to your pain …. But I think Jim (previous comment) has said perfectly. Prayers are with you and your loving family! xoxox Kim
December 8th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
Penelope, I will continue to pray for Alison.
June 5th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
In difficult times, it is always too easy to give up.
But you need to be strong, to never give up, and always look for that miracle.
There’s always a lesson to be learnt in every situation in life. Maybe yours is to discover the strength and courage you never believed you had.