Two years ago, my husband Paul was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. After an incredibly difficult journey, including two brain surgeries, multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, and care after seizures, Paul has now entered hospice care.

We have three beautiful daughters who have been providing strength and joy to Paul as he has been undergoing treatments and recuperating. Rosie is six, Gia is five, and Lucia is almost three. All three of our girls attend local Catholic schools and we are extremely grateful for the love and spiritual care the staff and students offer our girls.

Glioblastomas carry a very grim prognosis, but we have been fortunate with the quality of life Paul was able to achieve after his initial diagnosis. Up until this summer, he was still working full-time as an engineer with Toyota. I was a Catholic elementary school teacher until we had Rosie. Since then, I have had the honor of staying home to raise our beautiful girls. These past two years I have also had the added responsibilities of being Paul’s caregiver and advocate. While I am focusing on the girls’ and Paul’s current needs, I know that unanticipated financial and practical challenges are heading our way.

Family and friends encouraged me to establish this fundraiser so those who would like to help financially can provide some support. The funds raised will help give our family some stability and flexibility as we navigate Paul’s illness, hospice care, and the difficult transition ahead. Any funds remaining after Paul’s medical and funeral expenses are covered will be put into an education trust for the girls.

If you are able to contribute, please know how deeply grateful we are. Every donation, regardless of size, will make a difference for our family. If you aren’t in a position to give, please don’t feel any pressure to do so. Sharing this fundraiser, sending a message, or simply keeping Paul, Rosie, Gia, Lucia, and myself in your thoughts and prayers means more than I can say.

I have learned these past two years that we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who care about us and want to help carry us through the hardest moments. Thank you for loving our family, caring for us, and reminding us that we are not walking through these trials alone.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

God bless you all,

Abbey