Callie E. is a 25 year old single mom with a 17 month old child, here in Bartlesville, OK where I live. Callie's mom died when she was a young child (approx 5 yrs old) and Callie ran away from an abusive father at 13.
Callie is a self taught, hard working young woman who has no support system. She found herself making poor choices in the past but has been "clean" for three years (Yay Callie!!). Callie has beaten the odds and is determined to be a good mom to 17 month old Isaiah. The two of them have been healthy and happy as Callie worked hard to care for them the best she knew how. Paternal father has not provided for Isaiah or been a part of his young life.
About a month ago Callie visited the Green Country Free Clinic for what she thought was a minor issue, something easily fixed. Unfortunately it isnt...BUT the provider who met Callie on her visit had a long history in cancer care, and after several visits it was determined that Callie has Cancer of the tongue which has entered her young lymph system.
Callie is a brave young woman facing overwhelming health issues and no health insurance. Her biggest fear is not for herself, but that her child be taken because she is unable to care for him.
Her first weekend after diagnosis has been filled with picture taking and tape recording herself reading books for her dear son. More than likely Callie will not be able to speak to Isaiah after her surgery.
Today Callie was scheduled for surgery, but when our local surgeon went in he found more than what he bargained for and he promptly sewed her shut. We are working to get a specialist from Oklahoma City to take over.
A checking account has been opened to help cover rent, food, daycare, utilities etc in this difficult time. The Arvest Bank Account , Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is under the names of Deborah Hendricks and Cindra Pribil. The account number is 38819182 and is handled by Emily Waggoner at Arvest Bank.
Note: Several of us who understand how nutrition can help with cancer and health issues, Dawnette B, Penni S., and I need your input. We need recipes, resources, and ideas on how to help Callie and Isaiah. Please give us your input or share contacts who may be able to help.
Send encouraging emails to Callie:
careforcallie@mac.com
I will print them off and deliver them to Callie. I will be making her a notebook with clear sheet protectors so she can easily thumb through encouraging notes during tough times.
10 comments:
Dear Jesus....I had no idea the surgery didn't happen. I am sick at my stomach right now and of course I will do anything I can to help. I am going to post this and email it out to all my friends as well.
Penni
My prayers and thoughts are with Callie and Isaiah. I really hope Callie is able to get the help that she needs.
Bless you for doing this. I am sending prayers.
I had heard about this story, but I am so grateful for this post. This story breaks my heart. I added this post link to my blog. We will be praying for her.
Hi Angela,
I am Dea (online nick name) a twitter friend of Penni's. Last week I sent you an express envelope w/some help for Callie. I am praying for her and am so thankful she is not alone. I also sent you and Penni post cards, please give Penni the card for her when you see her.
Love Dea :)
Angela,
Perhaps she would like this video/book: http://www.crazysexycancer.com/
It is very inspiring!
Andrea
Penni sent her this video the same day I did, so I sent my video to someone else who really needed it. I think the video was Key to getting Callie to try juice. She never even had tried spinach in any form in her entire life until this week. Isnt Kris Carr amazing??
(as you are too!)
Angela, how are they? I keep thinking of this story and what will happen to her son (I have a small child myself). Could you post an update?
Andrea
Here is the latest - - - thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, support and money! The following is an email from an onc. Nurse who has just been an angel in her tireless hours of help and support for Callie!!
Callie goes for her third week of chemo today and our prayers are being answered so completely and so fast that it is jumping up and down time! After two weeks the tumor has shrunk so much that her pain is decreased and she is taking very few pain pills. She can move her tongue - touch her teeth with it, swallow and talk without pain and EAT!!! The doctor tweaked her nausea meds and except for some sleeplessness due to steroids - she had a great second week - no nausea, no vomiting!
Thank you and please continue. I checked her neck last night and the only lymph node I can still feel is the one that was biggest and it has decreased so much that is can only be God at work. We did a bit of dancing in the street last night - since thats where we were loading some toys into the care for Isaiah to play with while Mom is getting her chemo and recovering today and tonight.
Isaiah is dealing with an allergic reaction/rash on his face. It is so strange -he has either put his face on something or gotten something on his hands and rubbed his face but the rash is quite impressive. Praise God it doesnt itch or it would be a mess. He was seen by the doctor Tuesday and treatment is underway but Callie said last night we now know what he is going to look like at puberty if he has bad acne. He is way too cute for that.
She said to tell you all many thanks. For those of you who are local - our Relay for Life is this Friday night at Bulldoger Stadium - opening ceremony is at 8pm. Callie is planning on being there to walk the survivors lap. Come out and meet her and join in the fun. You can stay a little while or we will let you stay all night and join in the real fun that hits about 3am when it is either move or fall over.
Also a continuing example of generosity and praise - someone handed me a check for $1,000 for the account yesterday.
It overwhelms me - thank you.
--
update from oncology nurse Deb Hendricks-Janssen
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
~ C.S. Lewis
My prayers are with Callie and little Isaiah.
Is the tumor shrinkage due to a change in diet to raw foods or simply from chemo?
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