Help Eric Stay by Rena’s Side

Story

Help for our dear friend Rena!

Rena was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in April 2023. After completing her first line of chemo, she had a brief remission until the cancer returned in her lungs about a year ago. Since then, she has had several rounds of radiation and two more unsuccessful lines of chemo. Right now, she is on an experimental immunotherapy drug, but the cancer has spread throughout her lungs. Her oncologist’s best guess is she has only a few weeks to a few months at most ahead.

It’s been a struggle, but her husband, Eric, has remained steadfastly by her side, going to every appointment with her, staying in the hospital with her, scheduling her many medications, getting up in the middle of every night to make sure she takes them properly, cooking meals, and taking care of all of the necessary household chores.

As Rena’s breathing has progressively worsened, it is necessary for Eric to remain full-time with her. With no family in town, it has been extremely challenging for them.

Eric planned to use his accumulated sick days to take care of Rena in her final months. Unfortunately, he is only permitted to use 10 of his 79 accumulated days to care for her. In the state of Kentucky, the Family Medical Leave Act allows you to take a leave of absence in order to care for a family member, but it is unpaid.

Please help alleviate the financial strain for them and allow Eric to remain home with Rena during her final weeks. Due to the experimental drug she is currently taking, she is not eligible for hospice at this time.

We are asking for your help so Eric can take leave from work to care for her and be with her full-time. During this challenging time, this is the blessing that they need most as a family.

Any funds collected that are not used will be donated to UKHC’s Markey Cancer Center’s free ovarian cancer screening program.

Organizers :

Julia Higgins is organizing this fundraiser.