As some of you may know G and his family have been going through one of the hardest times ever and have been doing so with faith and grace.  During this trying time G and his family have stayed strong through their faith in God and with the support of their community, both personally and at work.  This page is being created in an effort to help ease some of the day to day needs with a family of five.  Time should be spent healing and enjoying each other, not worrying about what to make for dinner and to give a little something extra for the kiddos to enjoy.  So many of us live far and can't drop off a meal, this page gives us the ability help.  I am including a note from G about his journey and his positive outlook on life.  We could all take a lesson from him.  Keep on fighting G!


In March 2020 I thought I tore my meniscus in my right knee due to sudden onset, sharp pain. This was right at the time where Covid-19 really hit the USA and shut everything down. Because of this, it took a few weeks to get a doctor appointment.  This appointment progressed to x-rays and an MRI.  The MRI led to a referral to an orthopedic oncologist, and cancer was mentioned for the first time. Following a biopsy in early May 2020, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma by the middle of the month. Osteosarcoma is a cancer that begins in the bones.  It is extremely rare in general, and even rarer in adults as it is classified as a childhood cancer. My family jokes I am “One in a Minion” because of the rare circumstances.  

Through the months of June and August, I completed 3 rounds of chemo prior to surgery. These were probably my darkest days.  It is difficult to explain how gravely ill these drugs can make you feel.  I was given Doxorubicin and Cisplatin, which are the most toxic chemotherapy drugs that currently exist. Every round was difficult.  And every round was different, so it was never clear what we could expect.  The prayer support from our church family, compassion and understanding from my work colleagues and practical support from our church family and neighborhood are what sustained me during this time.  

In August my leg was upgraded to “Ironman status.” I had what is referred to as a limb salvage surgery.  The main cancerous tumor was removed along with a large portion of my femur, my knee and a portion of my shin.  In return, I received an impressive amount of hardware in my leg as a replacement.  This surgery was followed by 3 more rounds of chemo as well as 37 sessions of radiation. 

Recovery was slow. I had to relearn how to walk, and develop strength and stability after 6 months of being unable to walk before finally walking unassisted around Jan 2021. My final round of chemotherapy was in January 2021.  This led to one final hospital stay for chemotherapy related complications, but we thought this would be the end of our journey with cancer.  

Unfortunately, this was not the case. A routine CT scan in Feb, which was a follow up from chemotherapy induced pneumonia revealed calcifications in my lungs. Following a number of tests and a lung biopsy it was confirmed as metastatic osteosarcoma in April 2021. The oncologist delivered the news as best he could and outlined a new chemotherapy plan, which we pray will work to control, halt, then reverse the growth of the cancer. 

I completed my first week of high dose chemotherapy with two new types of chemotherapy drugs the first week in May. My body’s response to this chemo has been a world apart from my response to the previous medicines that I thought were going to kill me, at times. I am delighted that I am not experiencing those same dark days this round. I give the credit for this to God and His mercy and grace! Despite the trials and tribulations we face we remain thankful for all the time, memories and experiences we had. We are unsure of what the future holds for us.  The chemotherapy may cure me, or the Lord may intervene and heal my body, but we don’t know if that is going to happen.  Our lives are filled with so many blessings. Our goal as a family is not to live in fear of the unknown, but to make as many great memories as possible and continue to put Jesus first for the sake of others as we remain steadfast in our faith in a Sovereign God through whom all things are possible.  
 
G


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Gerhardus Eckard

Supporting the Eckard Family

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Always the perfect gift and great for all occasions. With a Barnes &amp; Noble gift card you can choose from an unmatched selection of books, eBooks, textbooks, movies/tv, toys, games, and gifts - even treats from the Café - at the world's largest bookseller!
Why We Love This Gift: We all need an escape sometimes - to fall in love with a fantastic book.
What To Express In Your Card: There are so many books out there that identify with what you are going through. I know how hard it has been for you. I hope this helps. I love you.

Barnes &amp; Noble

Always the perfect gift and great for all occasions. With a Barnes &amp; Noble gift card you can choose from an unmatched selection of books, eBooks, textbooks, movies/tv, toys, games, and gifts &#8211; even treats from the Café &#8211; at the world&#8217;s largest bookseller!

Barnes &amp; Noble - Barnes & Noble Gift Card

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From fresh hand-prepared salads to mouthwatering burgers, Chili's kicks up the flavor with food that is anything but ordinary.
Why We Love This Gift: Burgers. Ribs. Fajitas - what's not to love about fresh Tex Mex flavors?
What To Express In Your Card: Sending a gift I know you will love. Please, call me anytime.

Chili's

From fresh hand-prepared salads to mouthwatering burgers, Chili&#8217;s kicks up the flavor with food that is anything but ordinary.

Target

Chili's - Chili's Gift Card

This gift is perfect and very useful for almost anyone. Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the United States - so it allows the recipient to choose their own present.
This gift is perfect if you are not sure what grocery stores your loved one has nearby. The Kroger family is huge, including supermarkets like Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry's, Baker's, Food 4 Less, and much, much more. You can be sure your loved one is nearby a Kroger store and has access to what they need.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because we really like things that are convenient. For people on a budget, this is a real concern.
What To Say In Your Card: I wanted to give you a little something that gives you options.

Kroger

With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

DoorDash

DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

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Costco Cash Cards are a fantastic way to gift Costco access to a family or organization. While you must be a member to purchase, anyone can use a Costco Cash Card at Costco stores nationwide or online. Cards are available from $25 to $1000 and can be used towards memberships or merchandise.
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Costco Cash

Costco

Give the gift of entertainment. The ultimate go to for just about anyone.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it forces people off of their couches and out of their houses. This is a great date night for parents who never see anything but Pixar in a movie theater. Challenge them to see one Oscar-nominated movie so that they aren't totally out of it at the Oscar party. Or, recognize that escapism is an important element of grieving or care-taking. Have them take a break. They can escape into a movie of their choosing which can often help them to clear their heads.
What To Express In Your Card: I know you have a lot on your mind right now. I hoped that you would enjoy a movie. I wanted to provide what little escapism I am able - I'd love to join you if you'll have me. Sending you lots of love.
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Fandango

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Fandango - Fandango Gift Card

For more than 25 years Cold Stone has served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies, and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients, and of course, the signature process of preparing custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because there is just something about ice cream - more than any other dessert, really - that binds generations. Ask anyone if they remember eating ice cream with a grandparent and the answer is likely to be yes. We are betting that most people could even remember what kinds people had. (Chocolate and pistachio).
What To Express in Your Card: I wanted you to take a moment for a little rest.

Cold Stone Creamery&reg;

Cold Stone Creamery&reg; - Cold Stone Creamery Gift Card

Give the gift of take-out. Seriously, the perfect gift for any situation.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it is take-out and everyone loves take-out. It gives your recipient the flexibility to order exactly what they want, when they want it. Pregnancy cravings are no joke. Neither is the stress level of a single parent on a school night. Young professionals who get sick often hate the loss of their own agency. The capacity to choose one's own dinner is not to be underestimated. Nothing says I love you like Pad Thai.
What To Express in Your Card: I wanted you to be able to choose your own meal. I am thinking of you!

Grubhub

Grubhub - Grubhub Gift Card

This is the perfect gift for any family or any loved one with medical needs. Send help to those you love to provide care in the form of a CVS e-gift card.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone has medical needs from time to time. Often, medical insurance with high deductibles eats into the ability of a family to cover unanticipated medical expenses. An e-gift card ensures that those you love get that which they need to heal - with adequate respect for their privacy. Perfect. This is very useful in any medical crisis in very specific ways. Supplements useful in various treatments are expensive and not covered. This is applicable to surgical patients, cancer patients, pediatric patients, and more. Medical equipment can be ordered - such as canes or walkers and your recipient can pay using their gift card.
What To Express in Your Card: What else do you need me to do? At the ready. xo

CVS Pharmacy&reg;

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy&reg; - CVS Pharmacy Gift Card

This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart

Walmart - Walmart Gift Card

With over 6,100 stores throughout the U.S and 17 countries, GameStop is the world's largest video game retailer. Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States. 
No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because people need a way to wind down. This is a great gift for a housebound teen, for a family on the move - and more.  And the gifts that give control on spending are always a hit with teenagers. This is a great gift for a hospital or a housebound teenager. When teenagers feel less than empowered a simple thing like a decision about what to buy is a good one.
What To Express in Your Card: For you. Sending love too.

GameStop

Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage&#8217;s, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. 
Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States. 
GameStop. Power to the Players.

GameStop - GameStop Gift Card

Amazon gift cards never expire and they carry no fees. Redeemable towards millions of items at Amazon.com and also certain affiliated websites. Deliverable electronically and instantly.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it's appropriate for any situation. Let your recipient choose just what they need, when they need it... with ease, convenience, and endless options.
What To Express In Your Card: I'm sending you my love.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com - Amazon Gift Card

<a href="https://instacart.oloiyb.net/c/1246143/413183/7412" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instacart</a> is a grocery delivery service that delivers in as little as an hour. They connect you with Personal Shoppers in your area who pick up and deliver your groceries from your favorite local stores.
Why We Love This Gift: Shopping for groceries is a chore under the best of circumstances. For families facing a new lift event or crisis, it is very often incredibly stressful. The gift of a cupboard full of basic necessities is tremendous. It is a wonderful way to remind those you love that you have not forgotten the day-to-day challenges they face. You are telling them in no uncertain terms that they are not alone.
What to Express in Your Card: I was thinking about the things you have to get done every day. I hope you'll let me help a little by giving me a chance to buy you some groceries - and have them delivered to you. Just one lest task for you to worry about. I send you my love.

Instacart

Instacart - Instacart Gift Card

Red Robin is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in over two dozen different types of delicious gourmet burgers. Red Robin also has a large selection of tasty appetizers, including bottomless steak fries, side dishes, salads, desserts, and their signature Mad Mixology specialty beverages.
Why We Love This Gift: Red Robin is fun and delicious for the whole family. After a stressful week, gift cards to a friendly family restaurant are much appreciated. For example, the ability to focus tight on care for a family impacted by a medical crisis is a true gift. It is sustenance.
What To Express in Your Card: Please. Eat something.

Red Robin

Red Robin - Red Robin Gift Card

One of America's favorite restaurants. IHOP features high-quality food and friendly service. IHOP restaurants are best known for their award-winning pancakes, omelets, and other scrumptious breakfast specialties.  They also offer a wide variety of lunch and dinner options.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because pancakes are delicious. Breakfast diners like IHOP provide a leisurely break for a tired family to sit down together and simply enjoy one another's company.
What To Express in Your Card: Everyone loves pancakes. I am thinking of you.

IHOP&reg;

IHOP&reg; - IHOP Gift Card

Join your neighbors at Applebee's for delicious food, friendly service, and a hometown atmosphere that cannot be beat. From American classics like Applebee's House Sirloin to signature dishes like their Fiesta Lime Chicken, Applebee's is the go-to place for great food and good times.
Why We Love This Gift: Applebee's is suitable for any occasion. Situations in which a meal is a good choice include military spouses coping with a deployed spouse. Buy them a meal to let them know you are thinking of them. Or, those who have lost a loved one may sometimes permit themselves a little comfort and companionship. In such a circumstance, a meal shared is a true and lasting kindness. If the deceased was a breadwinner, the bereaved may be watching the wallet. Enable this person you love to grab a meal - wherever s/he is.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you.

Applebee's&reg;

Applebee's&reg; - Applebee's® Gift Card

Italian Generosity is always on the table.  At Olive Garden, we know that life is better together and everyone is happiest when they're with family. From never ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden salad, to our homemade soups and sauces, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking so much about you. Please take a few minutes to get something to eat and drink - on me.

Olive Garden&reg;

Olive Garden offers an award-winning wine list and a range of delicious Italian dishes inspired by the Culinary Institute of Tuscany in Italy.

Give InKind

Olive Garden&reg; - Olive Garden Gift Card

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.
Why We Love This Gift: Because it is coffee. We love this gift for that reason, but also because coffee (and tea) can facilitate conversation. People stop and talk over coffee and tea. Barista-made cups of coffee or steaming cups of hot tea are among life's "little" indulgences - the kind of thing that lifts people up. They are also among the first things people slash from tight budgets. Help them put it back. This gift is suitable for anyone to whom you want to express concern, consideration, or love. Also, here is a hot tip: teenagers love Starbucks. It is a great gift for a teenager.
What to Express in Your Card: I was just thinking about you as you grapple with recent events. I hope you will take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee - I know you are a latte fan. Maybe we can even meet for a cup? I'd love to know how you are doing and what I can do to be helpful. I send you lots of love.

Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.

Starbucks - Starbucks Gift Card

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Amie hugs her boys

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Lori Shaffer

In a child's mind - the word cancer isn't necessarily a scary word. Get tips for how to talk to your kids about a cancer diagnosis.

Talking to Your Kids About Your Cancer - Give InKind

I have cancer. How do I tell my kids? In a child&#8217;s mind &#8211; the word cancer isn&#8217;t necessarily a scary word. Don&#8217;t scare them with your own fear. When Amie Lands was diagnosed with aggressive Head &amp; Neck cancer, her boys were only six and two. Throughout her battle, Amie, a Certified Grief Coach, [&hellip;]

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General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

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Tara Shafer

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to support a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for additional information.

How To Help A Family Through Cancer Treatment

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to help a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for more.

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