Sunday, December 18, 2011

Dear Friends,

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.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Thank you.

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?

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Home

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.

Monday, December 5, 2011

December 2011

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.




Friday, May 27, 2011

Update from Tracy

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.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Update

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.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Update from the Cromacks

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