For my Mom, Merv Schlachter

Hello! How are you?

I see you are reading this gofundme page, and I am glad you are here. :)

My name is David and I am the son of this wonderful lady who you may or may not know, whose known as, Merv Schlachter.

I want to start off by saying the main reasons I am starting this gogetfunding page is due to the obvious financial help that is needed during this time for my parents, but is also due to the fact that so many of you have asked my family and I if there is anything you can do- and it just so happens there is!

Background

A few weeks ago my Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal brain cancer. My Mom started with numbness in her left 3 fingers about 3 months ago which then slowly started affecting her motor function as well. This started off as a slow progression and with there being nothing else affected, my Mom eventually decided to go to a Physio who thought this was a trapped nerve in her neck.

Unfortunately, after a couple of unsuccessful Physio sessions, parts of the sensory and motor function of my Mom's left arm started to be affected and even though my Mom didn't meet all the stroke criteria, this was now the main differential diagnosis which needed to be investigated.

The doctors thought, after a quick examination, that my Mom had suffered a "mini-stroke" and further tests were done. Scans revealed 3 brain tumours which are inoperable. They believe that this is not the primary source of the cancer. Further tests are needed to be done as an abdominal sonar scan as well as a CT scan has still not revealed the primary source. After several blood tests further investigations/scans are needed in the hope of finding the primary source of the cancer, as well as treatment options for the brain tumours. She will soon be going to Tygerberg hospital to be examined by the oncologists there.

So, this is where you come in!

Till now my parents have taken steps to keep costs as low as possible, as unfortunately their Medical Insurance Cover which states Comprehensive, does not include dread disease cover once over the age of 55 years old.

As those who have battled cancer themselves (be it as a family or alone) will know, the financial costs are astronomical.

Please know there is absolutely no pressure to give anything, but rather this is just an avenue for those that are feeling they are wanting to help out or feel after reading this they wish to give.

Whether you can or cannot give, please share this with those you think would like to help. Any amount would help and be greatly appreciated. If money is not an option for you, then please know that your thoughts, messages and prayers are as appreciated!

Since having it on my heart to do this, I have obviously had to ask permission from my Mom as I know this is her (very) personal story, and she has graciously allowed me to do this. She has also agreed for me to post what I have written above with much gratitude to each one of you.

Thank you for your time! I hope and pray that as you give you too are blessed.

Much Love,

David Schlachter X