How to write a blog that is yet again not about an adventure anybody wants to go on, that’s about things that really suck, but in a way that somehow engages people and helps them know we actually really need help…just in time for the holidays! Well I don’t know how to write that. If you do, then as the very friendly half-giant Hagrid once said, “Harry, yer a wizard.” ✨
It’s been a year and a half since I last wrote, with my most recent posts being about my mom’s cancer journey. Over time I just couldn’t keep up with the updates, and my mom is pretty good about sharing updates on her Facebook page anyway. But also because it’s exhausting to think about, talk about, write about, breathe about, exist about 24/7. I hope you can understand my absence then! Let me give you a lil update now.
My mom is doing pretty great. The little tumors in her lungs are all gone now–hoorah! Her oxygen is also improving very quickly these days, which is awesome. She’s still got a few tumors hanging out in other places that are not really shrinking or growing. But immunotherapy takes a long, long time. She’s been doing immunotherapy for over a year now, but we expect at least another year or two to really take care of those tumors completely.
On the other hand…my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia last month. He was hospitalized for a week, went to physical rehab for a week, fell and went back to the hospital for a week, and now he’s been back home for about 6 days. It’s all very new to us, and it really sucks. I’m not going to sugarcoat it.
So yeah, my dad has medical issues now, too–and it’s taken a real toll on all of us. My siblings are hard-carrying what’s left of the finances, managing bills and life insurance and health insurance and auto insurance and I really hate insurance–and my mom’s become a caregiver practically overnight. And she’s still got cancer, for Pete’s sake (we love you, Uncle Pete).
You probably know then that I’m writing this to ask you for help. I know that time and money are scarce for everyone around this time of year. But it’s been tough–really, really tough. Will you tap into some of that holiday helping spirit, and lend our family a hand? Pretty please? 🥺 (Details on how to help will be provided below!)
Thank you for reading all of this. I know it’s not as exotically exciting as adventures across the ocean, but…this is no less wild and crazy. Trust me. 🫠
Signed,
Allison the Adventurer
“Let me know how I can help!”
⮕ How You Can Help
We’re still using the same website as we did a while ago to organize meal plans and accept donations. To ensure 100% of your donation is being received by The Reimer Family, you can Venmo Allison (@AllisonCharmaine) or Taran (@Taran-Reimer), or PayPal Allison (@AllisonReimer) or Taran (@TaranReimer) and we’ll make sure all proceeds go straight towards Mom and Dad’s medical bills and living expenses.
Our MealTrain website let’s you:
- Schedule a meal delivery
- Donate financially to help us cover medical bills and living costs (or you can Venmo/Paypal us directly)
- Donate e-gift cards
Please remember to pray for us, too. It might not seem like it sometimes, but we still believe prayer works even when life gets this tough. God is still good.
Once again, we are so very grateful for each of you that have reached out and offered your support so far (it’s brought me to tears.) We feel comforted to know you’re there for us! ❤️🩹
Allison (and The Reimer Family)
