Judy’s Fight for Life
Fundraising campaign by
Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart
-
US$125.00Donated So Far
Thank you for reading about my sister, Judy. I hope you'll help her. Most of the photos here show our family in happier times. Cancer has not been kind. I dearly hope to be able to post photos of her recovery. That is why I'm here, to ask for your support in her treatment and recovery.
Judy was disabled by a relatively mild type of muscular dystrophy almost twenty years ago. Since then she and our mother, a widow of over 30 years, have lived together, providing much needed support for each other. In August of 2010, Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was preparing to be the maid of honor for my wedding that October in Ireland, my husband's home. She was already the primary caregiver for our mother who had recently had to have a triple bypass. So she put off most of her own cancer treatment until they returned home in October.
Judy continued with her cancer treatment, and to live with and care for Mom to the best of her ability. But as time passed, Mom required more support and Judy slowly began neglecting her own health until finally Mom suffered a stroke. At that point Mom lost almost all use of her legs, and combined with complications of Diabetes as well as other serious health issues, Mom had to go into a nursing home. This was extremely difficult on Judy and she spent hours every day at the nursing home, helping with Mom's recovery and acclimation.
Judy's cancer has spread to her bones and she can no longer care for herself at all. If it were not for a very good friend she would have no one. She is in constant pain from multiple fractures and can barely walk. And if the stress of cancer was not enough, the home she shared with Mom is in forclosure due to the cost of Mom's care. On her limited income Judy has to make choices every day between medicines, food, and utilities - all with the shadow of homelessness looming over her.
Considering the advanced nature of her cancer, Judy wants to use Intergrated Medicine which offers her a much greater possibility for remission and better quality of life. Unfortunately the costs of some treatments are not covered by any insurance.
It has been very difficult for me to help her from here in Ireland, and
it will take a little longer for us to afford my trip back to be with
her.
Judy has spent so much time caring for others, will you please help her now with her biggest fight, the fight for her own life?
Rewards
Organizer
- Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart
- Campaign Owner
Donors
- Anonymous
- Donated on Feb 04, 2016
- Vanessa McClimans
- Donated on Oct 15, 2015
"The more you give away, the more you have to give. There is a never ending source and supply and we each hold a key. Unlock it and let it flow. There is always more love.
Judy can finally rest...
Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart at 04:47 pmOn November 29, 2016, Judy's oncologist, ICU staff, and very dear friends helped made it clear to me that Judy's kidneys were failing. On top of the way cancer had already ravaged her body, I had to face the reality that Judy was suffering, from MRSA sepsis, with no further. . . . .
Judy is still fighting, but it's a nasty fight.
Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart at 05:56 pmI must apologise for not updating, or doing better with this page. But cancer is a horrible roller coaster of emotions, for all of us.Judy has been in and out of hospital every couple of months, but in general, she was doing fairly well. Her cancer markers were down quite. . . . .
I knew she was a fighter...
Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart at 03:09 pmI apologise for not updating more quickly. I spent almost a month during this past November and December in Florida, staying with wonderful friends who have been supporting our family through this very difficult time. Words cannot express my gratitude toward Ken and Weda, they truly are angels!When I arrived,. . . . .
A big heart is failing
Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart at 02:08 pmI'm just not sure how this is going. Judy spent a day in ICU because her heartbeat became unstable. She has also developed some very serious infections. One conversation leads me to believe she could live, the next wants to know how quickly I can get there. I have already. . . . .
Happy Birthday - You have another broken bone!
Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart at 05:01 pmThis past Wednesday, as Judy was getting back into bed, her legs gave out on her. In accordance with hospital evaluations, she was strong enough to be out of bed with only one aide. Unfortunately, when her legs gave out, the aide was only able to break her fall and. . . . .
This is what cancer, pain, and radiation is doing to Judy.
Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart at 12:49 amI think it's easy enough to see how exhausted she is from the pain. That's the best smile her friend was able to get out of her. She finds the radiation treatments to be terribly painful, and she's so weak that her legs are next to useless. If you look
Update 16th October
Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart at 09:49 pmWell, Judy had to go into the hospital yesterday because her legs have gotten so painful, weak and unresponsive that she was not able to get out of the wheelchair at all. She was afraid that more bones had broken, but fortunately they didn't find any more breaks on the. . . . .
Donors & Comments
- Anonymous
- Donated on Feb 04, 2016
- Vanessa McClimans
- Donated on Oct 15, 2015
"The more you give away, the more you have to give. There is a never ending source and supply and we each hold a key. Unlock it and let it flow. There is always more love.
