The Boston Marathon has been on my bucket list since the first time I witnessed the race as a young girl.  Seeing the runners stagger across the finish line always brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.  The marathon would remain an unfulfilled dream were it not for the vision of Carla Tardiff, her commitment to Family Reach and its impact on families dealing with the harsh realities of cancer.  The knowledge that my silly fantasy can touch families that have found themselves living their worst nightmare is what has given wings to my dream. 

A Family Reach Story

 Facing Each Day with Grace and Determination

Shauna and Craig had no idea that their lives would soon be turned upside down.  In late February of 2010, Shauna noticed that her very young daughter, Madison’s belly seemed bigger and took her to the doctor.   The enlarged belly turned out to be swelling in the liver and spleen caused by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a common form of childhood leukemia.  Madison was diagnosed on March 1, 2010 at 1 ½ years old.   She is now about half way through her extensive treatment period which will last just over two years.

Prior to Madison’s diagnosis with ALL, Shauna was working full-time in a dialysis center and studying full-time to become a nurse.  Though a go-getter, Shauna expresses no frustration about having to put her work and education aside.  She is completely focused on the care of her daughter and accepts the situation at handwith grace and determination.  “There is nothing we can do and we can’t change it so you do whatever you have to do.  You just address the problem of the day.’  Shauna also recognizes that her training has equipped her to deal with the challenges of caring for a child with cancer.  “It (nurse’s training) does help.  In a weird sort of way I was meant for this job and I’m good at this job.” 

Like so many families dealing with cancer, Shauna and Craig incurred new expenses associated with their daughter’s treatment while simultaneously having to adjust to a lower household income.   Shauna had to stop working in order to care for Madison.    With only Craig currently employed, the family has had to reach out to families, friends and organizations to meet their everyday living expenses in addition to the new expenses associated with Madison’s treatment.  “Every month I come up short but even with bills piling up, you have to put one foot in front of the other.  You have to fight!’ exclaimed Shauna.

Family Reach Foundation is one of the organizations that has come to the family’s rescue as they struggle to meet their financial obligations so necessary for maintaining the stability needed for Madison’s ongoing and successful treatment.   In collaboration with pediatric oncology social workers at Dana Farber, Family Reach provided a generous grant to cover the family’s high utility bills.   Shauna was amazed and deeply grateful for the assistance provided by Family Reach.  “It was awesome!  I just needed it.  I’m beyond thankful.  I would do anything I could to give back.” 

She also expressed her appreciation for the shopping spree around the holidays arranged by Family Reach Foundation in partnership with Wal-Mart Corporation.  Shauna, Craig and Madison were one of several families chosen to receive a $500 gift card donated by Wal-Mart.  With the gift card, Shauna and Craig purchased much needed household supplies and Christmas gifts for Madison.    Shauna and Craig were extremely grateful for this gift. 

Though Shauna would rather not be in her current situation with Madison, she accepts it for what it is and makes the most of it.  “This is just what happens.  You have to deal with it.  It’s made me a stronger person.” 

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