If you know Toni, you know she is someone who loves fiercely and works incredibly hard. Right now, she is facing the most difficult chapter of her life as she cares for Todd during his hardest fight in his life---- for his life.... This year started out with Todd feeling something was not right. He did all the things-colonoscopy, tests and more tests. End of May, an exploratory surgery discovered the news no one ever wants to hear. Cancer. Metastatic Adenocarcinoma with mucinous features. In addition, it has caused blockage in his small bowels. A boy that loves his food, is now only able to have liquids and maybe some ice cream or pudding. After a round of chemo, to which is body and heart did not take a liking to. However, he will try to see if his body and spirit can endure another modified round of chemo starting June 29th....a day after his birthday. After almost 2 months in the hospital and battling with pain management. Todd's wish was to go home, hoping the comforts of home would ease some pain. Toni has been giving everything she has to be his full-time caregiver. Up until now, she has been able to stay by his side thanks to paid leave through her employer, however, that paid leave is ending soon. The emotional weight of watching the person you love face a terminal illness is crushing enough. But now, Toni is facing an immediate financial crisis. She is caught in a terrifying spot: trying to navigate complex government disability systems, coordinating long-term care options, manage Todd's pain and discomfort and figuring out if her job can offer flexible or part-time options—all while the daily bills keep coming. Navigating these employment and medical systems has been incredibly complex. All funds raised here are going directly to Toni to cover her lost wages, mortgage, utilities, and the immediate household expenses required to keep their home running. This is to reduce her stress of figuring out ALL the things in the best interest of Todd. I have seen firsthand her advocating for Todd's care and comfort. Toni needs time. She needs a few weeks of financial breathing room to sit on the phone with caseworkers, figure out the next steps for her job, and—most importantly—just be present with Todd without the constant panic of impending financial ruin. I have linked Toni's personal Venmo, as there are no additional fees. Every dollar raised goes directly into Toni’s account to act as a bridge during this transition. If you are able to give, you are directly buying her the time and peace of mind she needs to care for him (and herself) during this chapter of their life. If Venmo asks for the last 4 digits of her phone number, use 2734. If you cannot donate financially, please consider sharing this page. Your love, prayers, and support mean the world to them right now.
At this time, home cook meals sound fantastic. However, would be pure torture for Todd to smell your homecooked food and not be able to partake! We are not asking to pay off the mortgage, just some funds to assist with getting through a sticky time of figuring out Toni's work life while being a full-time caretaker. Also, during this time, please leave message here or with me (Shannon) I will pass them along. They are not up for visitors, at this time....as you can imagine this is a difficult time to maneuver to which no one is ever prepared for. Please know if you reach out directly to Toni or Todd, they may not respond. All of their energy is for this fight right now. I will update as often as I have news. We will suspend donations, if Toni feels she is comfortable with her work and caregiving situation. She is NOT comfortable asking for help, therefore I AM.