I’ve been wanting to sit down and write this for a couple of months now, but I didn’t have the guts. I don’t like asking for help, and I was afraid of what people might think; the situation has finally reached critical levels and I really need your help.
There’s a man in Alaska who is extremely special to me and his name is Kevin. A few months ago, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Always an optimist, Kevin received chemo and radiation treatments in Seattle for several weeks. He had a long, 2 hour commute each day and he made the trek each day in good spirits. During that round of treatments, the cancer spread to his liver.
Kevin continued to remain positive and was even considering going to research hospitals for clinical trials. He eventually decided on going back home to Juneau to be with his family and begin a chemo cocktail. Those treatments lasted a very short time before his liver couldn’t take it anymore.
Last week, they drained about 10lbs of fluid from his cavity and gave him 2-6 weeks to live. That was about a week ago so he now has 1-5 weeks.
I am devastated by this turn of events. I know many people don’t understand why he is so important to me, so I am going to spell it out here in hopes that you will help me get home to see him.
Kevin and my mom were married for about 4.5 years, a short period of time in my 31 years, however; in that period of time, Kevin taught me more than anyone else EVER has. We lived in Snettisham, just south of Juneau for my 5th grade year. We went hiking, boating, crabbing, shrimping, he taught me to skip rocks, and how to distinguish birds by their calls. We went sledding in our front yard, we made friends with hummingbirds – (quite literally. We had them trained to sit on our fingers while they fed), I learned about the lifespan of a Salmon and was able to see it all brought to fruition at the salmon hatchery in Snett. When we moved to Juneau, he taught me to snow ski and how to go camping. He was there when I started my period for the first time on a camping trip, he was there for my first kiss, and saw me off to my first formal dance. Kevin was always there to boost my self confidence when I was feeling low, which was much of the time. He is the first man I can ever remember telling me that I looked pretty, and the person who drove me to my first dance team try out. He saw me start middle school and high school and taught me to drive a manual transmission. When he and my mom divorced, he stayed in touch with my sister and me. He took us shopping for back-to-school and Christmas. He came to all of my dance performances, and donated each year when we got pledges.
When I left Juneau, our communication waned but we always knew what was going on in the other’s life – neither of us are very good at keeping in touch. I’ve been home a couple of times since I left and each time we have spent lots of time together. In 2007 I was home for only 4 days, and in those four days, we went snow skiing with his amazing wife, Becky 3 days. In 2008 when I went home, we went hiking, he took us out on the boat to go whale watching, we had a picnic, he let me borrow about 500lbs of camping gear for my 2 day trip to the Muir cabin, and they invited us into our home for a delicious dinner of freshly-caught salmon.
I don’t think I have to tell you, though I will, that I have more memories with Kevin than any other man in my life.
My plight is this: He is dying and I need to get home to say good bye. I have no trouble getting a ticket for myself but I have nobody to watch my kids so that I can go home. I also need to buy them plane tickets, which can be very expensive when flying into Juneau.
Thanks a lot, Alaska Air.
I’ve set up a GoFundMe account so that I can get home. I’ve raised a little over $100 but we need closer to $2500 for me to be able to go home with the kids and say good bye to Kevin.
I know that times are tough right now, but every dollar helps. Please donate. Please SHARE this with people. Please help me get home, with my babies, to see Kevin before he’s called away.
If you have Alaska- or American Air miles that you can donate, we can do that too.
(GoFundMe seems to be having technical issues so please use the PayPal “Donate” button below until we can get it resolved. Thank you!)
Thank you in advance for your donation – no matter how big or small. Every penny is appreciated as much as the next.
Sadie says
I’m so sorry that you’re in this situation, Summer. 🙁 I really hope you get to go home and say goodbye. Keep trying to find someone to watch the kiddos, something will come through.
Summer says
Thanks, Sadie. I hope something comes through. I really need to get home.
Leila says
I totally understand everything that you are going through and I wish there was some way I could help more. I am sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way!
Summer says
You helped in a huge, huge way. Thank you!
kathy foley says
Do you live in Seattle? I have loving family there; I am sure they could help you with finding free or cheap child care while you travel. my niece is a single mom of two (one grad, one 12 yr old) and she is one of the most loving, caring, selfless individuals i know. she and her network of friends may be of some assistance, if you are interested.
feel free to email me at [email protected]
Summer says
Hi Kathy! No, we live in North Carolina. If we lived as close as Seattle it would be so much easier to get to see him. I have a few options here and hope to be going to see him soon.
Shelbi says
Hey. The only thing I can offer is to watch the kids for you but Ziggy works a lot so you would have to bring them to me. I can’t come there because my kiddos need me here.
Summer says
Thanks, Shel. Styles has school so he really needs to be here. I have madilyn taken care of, I’m just trying to find a way to allow styles to stay.
Naomi says
My stepfather has been a huge influence on my life, so I can totally relate. I’m lucky enough to have him only a block away and healthy, though. I hope you can make it up there. I wish I was closer to you so I could watch your kiddos.
Summer says
Thanks, Naomi! Even the thought means a lot to me. I wish we were closer. Being so far away sucks.
MamaPSU says
Just found this post and I am heartbroken for you. Have you found a way to see him?
Summer says
*sigh* I bought my ticket to go back to Juneau last Tuesday. 10 minutes after I purchased it, I found out that he had passed away. I was devastated. Alaska Air wanted an additional $500 to change my ticket so that I could get there for his services and we just couldn’t swing it in addition to the astronomical airfare. We cancelled my flight and my hubby and I plan on going up this winter to spend time with his family on what would have been his 55th birthday. 🙁