The day was Friday March 3rd, 2023 and she could no longer put off her worries. It was time to take her husband of 20 years to the emergency room. They had been on a private journey for the past few months but the concern could no longer be held back. Last summer her husband Todd had weighed in at 250#s & experienced what we thought was muscular low back pain in the midst of cutting carbs & sugar to lower this Hbg A1c (diabetes level). Todd began outpatient treatment and follow up, taking NSAIDs for pain and going through two rounds of physical therapy. His outpatient labs showed no concerns for cancer or even suggested it. He spent several months dealing with low back pain and trusting his PCP to help him.
Todd was down to 165# and was looking good but his low back pain continued, it was interfering with his work, his mental health, and desire to interact with his family.
At only 138#s and no longer intentional weight loss, over the last 4 weeks Todd began to have intermittent nausea and vomiting, abdominal bloating, no appetite and low energy levels all while experiencing incapacitating back pain. In the week before going to ER, he was literally skin and bones and could barely stay out of bed for more than 15 minutes. It happened really fast and felt like he was fading away in front of her eyes. He had been being worked up outpatient but it was going so slow and they just couldn't wait anymore (waiting on scheduled colonoscopy, EGD, and abdominal CT scan). It was time for some answers. Fast forward a few days and multiple more tests and specialist consults and the fear that was creeping in her mind was confirmed. They confirmed he has pancreatic cancer. He still has more testing, he still has lesions in his bladder that Urology needs to evaluate and a large kidney stone they need to figure out how to treat. He hasn't been able to eat in over a week and now they are working on starting IV nutrition. They haven't even begun the talk of what the treatment plan will be. They are just trying to come to terms with the diagnosis but they plan to fight. Todd feels awful but his spirits are positive. He wants to fight for his wife and 3 boys. His fighting Irish spirit and stubborn Canadian presents itself daily while hospitalized.
They have been married for 20 years during this time they have raised three amazing boys. Gabe 19, Cullen 17 and Benjamin 13.
They have lived out their lives as an example of what it means to be faith filled Christians. Attending the local Catholic church and school for their children. They installed in them strong work ethics & family values - without family we are alone. Todd has worked at FedEX @ the terminal at the GRR airport 5 evenings a week. Theresa has worked as a nurse at Spectrum aka CoreWell since 2004 and has put in many long hours caring for other people's family members. She works tirelessly long hours and often extra shifts thinking not of herself but of her kids future etc. So, the weight is already being felt before the medical bills have even started with them both being off from work. She is torn between being home with her boys and being at the bedside with her spouse. How do you decide?
However Theresa has many times told others the most important thing is family. #FamilyFirst. And this has never been more true than right now with what this family is facing in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Time is something you can never get back. Tomorrow is never promised and she is living this reality. Supporting her children & coming to terms with what this means has been overwhelming. She's reaching down deep to be the rock for her spouse and kids. But also knows she can't carry this burden alone. She needs her village.
This brings me to the reason for this page.The reason for reaching out to friends and family and whoever else feels compelled in their hearts to share this page as well & get Todd/Theresa help to weather this storm. I am reaching out on behalf of Theresa & Todd and their three boys to ask for help during this difficult time. There are so many ways to help. Share this with your friends and family and keep sharing. Prayers are so very much appreciated and reaching out with words of encouragement (personal messages & cards sent to their home). Instead of direct meals, Theresa suggested gift cards to Meijer, Walmart, & Sam's Club so that she can keep them on a meal plan. Venmo is also a quick option to help fill the void financially.
Venmo : @FindTheresa
I was thinking at some point if others were interested/willing to help we could organize a fundraiser dinner auction of some sort. If people had items they would be willing to donate or would be willing to do some reaching out locally to see about getting donations for an auction to benefit. I haven't used this platform before so if there is a need I will update will contact info to setup that if people are interested. Theresa and Todd are hopeful in the face of this storm. They walk by faith even though they have a mountain to cross. 
This page has been made on behalf of Theresa, I can’t imagine having my life turned upside down on top of all the other life stressors we deal with on a daily basis . I’ve been down this road before not the same way but with my best friend/sister and also with my now spouse prior to getting married which was hard enough I can’t imagine how hard this must be. But I know the support of friends and family will make a world of difference.
