Cromack Family Support

12/29/2011

2011-12-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

5:30 AM. Parents and Tracy were with him.

Candles

2011-12-26T06:05:00.000-08:00

I just saw a post from Heather Richard who wrote that she was going to light a candle today for Scott as she spends time with her family. What a great idea.

So many people out there thinking of the Cromack family and praying for peace for Scott. A virtual candlight vigil has been started.....

If you are able, please post a picture of your burning candle on Facebook and tag Tracy Cromack.

Christmas

2011-12-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house A father was resting, a son, and a spouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
Grandma sat vigil, while saying her prayers;

The children were restless all up in their beds,
While memories of dad danced in their heads;

And mamma sat worried, with little to wrap,
With her heart full of sorrow, she heard a small rap;

She went to the door, to see who was there,
I think it was Santa, and eight tiny reindeer;

For although times were sad, and dad was real sick,
The kids got a visit, from their personal St. Nick.

Friends of their parents, those far and those near,
Had made sure the kids, had a bell they could hear.

Thank you to everyone who has made the Cromack Family Christmas just a little brighter.

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

Before we all begin to celebrate the holidays, before we unplug from Facebook to enjoy spending time with our family and friends, I want to say thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has made a difference in the lives of the Cromack family during the most trying of times. Thank you to those that have decided that they are ready to do something bigger with their talents, generosity and motivation.

I have written with enough members of the newly forming Friend to Friend to be certain of this: That many people are inspired by the strength of the Cromack family and the resilience with which Scott has fought this long hard battle with a brain tumor. We are motivated to help more families and have found collective strength in each other. Thank you Scott and Tracy Cromack for giving us this motivation and strength.

Enjoy your holidays everyone. Please continue to send your light/energy/prayers to Scott, for peace, comfort and painless rest. I wouldn't be me if I didn't say feel free to donate, too, but so many of you have been very generous and I thank you all so, so much.

What Would Happen?

2011-12-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

There has been a tremendous outpouring of love and support for the Cromack family in the past few weeks. I was able to visit Tracy at their house yesterday and peek in on Scott for a brief minute. I feel comfortable saying this:

That anything we can do for this family is not enough. No amount of money can replace a father or a husband. What they are going through is the stuff nightmares are made of and this will stay with them all for the rest of their lives.

Together, we have been a source of light for the Cromack family. I told Tracy today that we are in the beginning stages of forming a non-profit, Friend to Friend, inspired by Scott and the rallying that has occurred around their family. He won't be forgotten and that is one powerful legacy to leave behind.

Once the Cromack family does not need us to raise funds, we will begin working towards the goal of being able to provide similar services to other families.

I was born in a Small Town

2011-12-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

I'll have to admit it. There are times when I didn't like being from Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Everybody knows everybody and well, if you grew up there, you understand.

Today, I am so proud to be from Turners Falls. I have always said, I love the internet because for all of the lack of "face" time you may experience with others because of it, the knowledge, support and resources available to you on the internet are endless.

You can reach all over the place. You can talk to classmates (or at least stalk their Facebook profile) you haven't seen in twenty, ahem, years.

You can help a former classmate who is no longer in the capacity to help himself.

Did you see the post today from George Croteau, a very quiet member from the TFHS Class of 1990?

Here it is:

" How amazing is it that even though many of us have left the comfort of our small town we call home as soon as there is a problem with a friend and schoolmate from our youth who we may have not even seen or thought about in 20 years need help everyone jumps in and helps in anyway they can.we all grew up in such an amazing place where everyone is family and there is no outsiders just people who will help your fellow man with out wanting anything in return. I wish the whole world could sit back and see this is how everyone should be. What a better world it would be, so in this holiday season if you can please help this family please it does not matter how small of a donation you can make will help if you can not make a donation cause we all know times are hard for many people send your prayers and keep in mind this could be anyone of us."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

And as the journey continues, the practical side of things is also being handled with such amazing generosity.

Those of you that know "Big Lew" owner of BTU, or graduated with "Lewie" in high school, might not know "Mr. Collins" girls basketball coach during the late 1980's and 1990. I still can't really call him Lew or Lewie, but I can tell you this...he could keep up with any one of us girls, outrun us, outshoot us and he was a great guy to have yelling at you during a basketball game.

I asked him about paying for and using BTU for a "celebration of life" party, to help Tracy who wants to get a plan in place. Here was his reply:

"I have no problem at all with you gathering at BTU, wouldn't even think of charging you for the space, I guess my question would only be when, what time and how many do you expect so I can be prepared for staffing, etc, let me know because I've got the place if you need it.

Count on it Missy, I'll be here with the place for you just keep in close contact with me on details as they come in ok? Whatever questions you have just ask, I'll do what I can to make this part easy for everyone ok? Talk to you soon.

Coach"

If you ask, people will deliver.

The Bigger Picture

2011-12-20T04:46:00.000-08:00

People are truly amazing.

I have been receiving Facebook private messages and friend requests from a large number of friends of the Cromacks in the past week. All I can say is that people are wonderful.

I've been asked their address: 94 Rachael Terrace, Westfield, MA 01085. The three kids are Tyler (19), Haleigh (17) and Trent (15). I've been asked over and over what they want for gifts. They are quiet kids, grateful for the things people are doing for their family. They don't have huge Christmas lists and they just don't expect much under the current situation.

I know a few things about their Christmas this year. Gina Gordon has purchased three netbooks for the kids. As a group, we raised enough to purchase a family desktop that is on the way to the house. Kenny Burke was ready to buy them himself and so little does he know he will be called to duty to set it all up for them. He has also been visiting and willing to bring food or anything they need.

I've heard through the grapevine that Chanda Waryasz is collecting gift certificates for the family. I haven't talked directly to her, but I hear gift certificates are on their way.

Joanne Papidimitriou has been organizing meal delivery and cooking for the family.

Charlotte Edwards has been handing them money, getting groceries and is willing to help take care of Scott if needed to give Tracy and Mr. and Mrs. Cromack a little respite.

Numerous people have shared my updates on Facebook and THAT has made a significant impact on the message getting out to more people. Thank you those that share this message on Facebook. It only takes a click, but it makes a big difference.

Carrie Tirrell has been available to Tracy 24/7 either by phone or in person to help her through the journey. She's also taken Haileigh out shopping and the kids out to lunch, just to get them out of house. She's a good Auntie Carrie to those kids and an invaluable best friend to Tracy.

Scott's parents haven't left his side in weeks. They are the "night shift" together, taking care of all of his needs. Yes, they are his parents, but still. Mr. and Mrs. Cromack are completely dedicated to caring for Scott as long as he needs them.

I have heard from Lisa Abbey Lessing, who is the store manager of Stop and Shop in West Springfield. She donated a $50 gift certificate, a ham dinner with any sides they want on behalf of her store.

There is also a significant number of people who are actively praying for Scott and his family. Praying for peace, sending energy, light, however you want to say it. I've heard almost daily from Jennifer Hubert McCabe. I've received beautiful messages from Ama Allison (Ahearn), Jennifer Graves Bassett, Eric Sauter, Eric Wartel, Tiffany Whitfill, Kathy Webber, Joe Dagilus and a number of others that I can't recollect at the moment.

It's not just about the Cromack family, but about the ability of a group of people to come together for a collective cause. Whether you are raising money for a playground (congrats Nicki Letourneau, Dani Letourneau, Kristy McKay Kim), supporting a child with leukemia (GO Team Momo), driving your sister in law to radiation treatments in Boston, running a fundraiser DU for a cause (Sue Scott, a running fundraiser this year for Dylan Moore) you can make a difference. Find what inspires you and go for it. The response you receive will surprise you.

Dear Friends,

2011-12-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

I am writing this update to let you know that Scott's condition is deteriorating and is not going to improve. Many have sent me private messages asking questions and I believe it is now time to be very clear.

Although the family has loved all of the visitors to the home and appreciates every single thing we have all done, visits with Scott are no longer helpful to Scott as he struggles to maintain some semblance of dignity in his life.

The care he now requires consumes every ounce of energy Tracy or his parents have.

Thank you.

2011-12-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you to those of you that are finding this site through Facebook. As I see more and more people sharing the link, I thought maybe I should provide a more complete update why I am pushing to raise funds.

It is hard to be VERY clear here, on this public site because the Cromacks are very private people. They have never asked for help and are extremely grateful for the support they have received from the community.

Scott is a fighter. He has fought a grade IV glioblastoma for almost two years. He had another malignant brain tumor in 2004 and did not see a return of symptoms until January 2009, when they discovered new growth.

Scott's most recent Facebook post on December 15, 2011: "They tell me I am done I should sign a dnr I say hell no all I hear is fight fight". He is not ready to give up. He has three teenage kids and has been their provider since they were born.

I am raising funds for a number of reasons, first of which is to give the three kids some kind of a Christmas. Second, after years of expensive medical copays, any financial surplus is likely exhausted. I don't do their taxes and I don't ask too many questions, but I can only imagine what would happen to my family if our main provider was out of work for years and then had large medical copays.

I believe that the family is going through enough. His wife is at home taking care of him with the help of visiting nurses and Scott's parents who remain by his side 24/7. With three kids and a husband who needs all of his strength to fight, the family deserves a little slack and that is what we can provide: a little financial slack until they are able to get his affairs in order.

It doesn't take much. With all of the posts, we are reaching thousands of people. What if everyone sent $5?

We live in a powerful society, with social networking we can reach thousands of people in minutes. Why not harness that power?

Home

2011-12-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

People have been asking me how they can help. So many out of the area, so many that feel helpless and want to do something. We came up with some ideas:

Signing up to cook a meal or provide a meal gift certificate. https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/622469/login/

Joanne Papadimitriou is organizing meal deliveries. Email her directly at jpapa@kw.com if you have questions.

Give a small donation to the family fund that is quickly turning into a Christmas fund for the kids. If we make enough, we are shooting for laptops for all three. Shhhhh...Don't tell them. We want them to know that even if we can't change their reality, we can show them that strangers care about them.
So, if you want to help, help. If you can't afford to, send them your good thoughts. If you have any ideas, please email me at melissanykorchuk@hotmail.com.

December 2011

2011-12-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends of the Cromack Family,

I am updating this blog after a seven month break because things have changed.

As Tracy has been sharing on Facebook, Scott hasn't been feeling well and new tumor growth is causing significant side effects.

In conversation with Tracy, accessible cash has been a tremendous strain. Lots of copays, lots of trips to Boston. The family is in financial need as they try to set up an accessible bedroom for Scott so he can be home in comfort. I ask that if you can, to donate even a small amount I can pass on to the family.

Update from Tracy

2011-05-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Recently Scott's had some health setbacks. I don't always post everything because it's just too much info to explain in detail. Trust me it's been a learning experience for us each step of this journey. We've had our ups & downs. Within the last year Scott's been on 2 different Clinical Trials (the first Clinical Trial 4/2010 to 01/2011 and the second Clinical Trial 02/2011 to 04/2011) and he has had to go off of those because those we no longer benefiting him.

He is now on a new third treatment. There are pros & cons to any of these treatments. This latest treatment has caused him to have low blood platelets and because of this he needed to receive blood platelet transfusions. He also has low white blood cell counts and it's become too risky for them to give him any treatments until his white blood cell counts increase. We are hoping that his counts will be up to where they need to be by next week. This is the short version of everything and I've tried to explain it so everyone could understand it all. Because trust me if I wasn't living through this I wouldn't have a clue about all this medical stuff.

MRI's in Jan & April 2011 showed new tumor growths. The latest MRI as of today May 26, 2011 showed that the tumors have decreased in size which is great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This type of tumor is very aggressive and has proven very difficult to treat. Which is why they've had to try a few different types of treatments already. But as always we will try to stay focused, positive and move forward.

Thanks again to all of you who have been there for us throughout this. We appreciate your love, thoughts, prayers & support.

Update

2011-05-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I updated this site for the Cromack family. Scott and Tracy have kept people updated on Facebook as much as they have felt comfortable. What I WILL say is this: things are not improving. The family could use monetary donations again at this time due to difficulties with health insurance and Scott's coverage. Please help if you can.

Update from the Cromacks

2010-07-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Scott started his 4th course of Chemotherapy July 1st. He does 3 weeks of Chemo, he gets 1 week off, then he repeats the cycle all over again. He fatigues easily, but he is doing well considering everything he has been through. Scott has a wonderful Medical Team in Boston that monitors him closely and is pleased with his progress so far. Scott continues to have a positive outlook and a great sense of humor.

Thank you to all who have continued to offer their thoughts and prayers to our family.

Sincerely, Scott, Tracy & Family

March 30, 2010

2010-03-31T03:36:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank all of you for your continued support & prayers. We have been overwhemled & touched by the generosity of so many of you. We appreciate everyones thoughtfulness during this difficult time. We have received many messages via the internet and many heartfelt cards in the mail. There have been many of you who have called, txt'ed or e-mailed to check up on not only Scott, but on all of us and that is so thoughtful. We've had neighbors, family & friends bring us meals and that has been very helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you again everyone for your warm wishes, prayers & thoughtfulness....it means more to us than you know.

Sincerely, Scott, Tracy & family

Update from Tracy

2010-03-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

For those that are following the Cromack Family through this site, Tracy sent me an email to post on the blog.

Scott deveolped an infection in mid February which required him to be hospitalized. He was put on two different types of IV antibiotics for a period of 3 weeks to treat his infection. Due to Scott's prior 3 brain tumor surgeries & prior radiation treatments Scott has had problems with his incision healing. Due to these health problems Scotts Chemotherapy treatments have been delayed....we are hopeful that Scott will be well enough in the coming weeks to start his Chemo treatments.

~Thank you to all who have sent prayers & warm wishes to our family. Sincerely, Scott, Tracy & family

Scott was diagnosed with a Oligoastrocytoma Grade 3 in 2004, and a Glioblastoma Grade 4 in 2010. He will go to Boston soon for further testing.

New Way to Help Out

2010-02-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Heather Muthig, a friend of the Cromack Family, has created a great design and is donating all sale proceeds to the Cromack Family Fund. She opened a Store Front at Cafe Press where you can purchase her LOVE design on a number of different T-shirts and Coffee Mugs.

Great job Heather! Coming together for the common good is what this is all about.

To view Heather's creation, CLICK HERE.

As far as a medical update on Scott:

He is home and recuperating and waiting on pathology results that he will receive within a few weeks. He is in good spirits (as always) and keeping a positive attitude. The love and support everyone has shown the Cromacks during this difficult time has been vital to their well being.

Superbowl Sunday

2010-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

We are home and Scott is resting comfortably. Due to the proximity of the tumor, unfortunately the Surgeon could not remove it all and more treatments will be needed in order to manage what remains.

We will be heading back to Boston within the next 2 weeks to meet with our team of doctors to discuss prognosis and treatment options which may include radiation and/or chemotherapy.

We are truly Thankful to all who have reached out to our family and offered their prayers, warm wishes and support during this very difficult time in our lives.

Sincerely, Tracy, Scott & family

Energy, Light, Prayer and Hope

2010-02-03T04:43:00.001-08:00

Whatever your spirituality or religious beliefs,

please send your Energy,

your Light,

your Prayers,

and your Hope to Scott today. February 3, 2010

Who will be operated on in Boston starting at 1:30 for a period of at least 5 hours.

A quick recovery....

A non-aggressive tumor....

Strength....

Health....

There is power in collective prayer/meditation.

Let's send it today.