My Family Needs Your Help
Never did this before but the life of my granddaughter hangs in the balance. Certain events humble you. This is one of them.
Cassandra, my three-year old grand baby was diagnosed with liver cancer four months ago. She has received 5 rounds of chemotherapy and withstood every medical intervention and insult with an elvish smile and silent giggle. The ‘silent’ part is due to the ventilator and trach she has endured most of her short life. As a preemie, she was handed a rough hand—defective heart (corrected), damaged lungs (healing) and now this: cancer.
But as Dickinson wrote: Hope is the Thing with Feathers.
Though initially turned down for a liver transplant at Philadelphia’s Children’s Hospital (CHOP), Cassandra is scheduled to be evaluated by Pittsburgh’s pediatric team of surgeons and oncologists. They believe they can get this done.
We’ve gone from grim days to hopium days.
The problem is financing the outside medical costs. Insurance covers a goodly portion but most people know, what’s not covered can break a family’s back—medical transport, food, lodging, etc.
So, I’m asking for any assistance the DU community might be able to offer. A friend of my son and daughter-in-law has started a GOFUNDME page. You’ll see a pic of Cassandra there. We’ve nicknamed her the Warrior Princess. It’s a name the child has earned a hundred times over.
Anything donated will be deeply appreciated.
Thank you in advance,
Peggysue, aka Nan to this sweet but remarkably fierce baby
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-cassandra-get-her-liver-transplant
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thank you for the generosity and love. Won't be forgotten.
your Granddaughter's brave struggle is so eloquently written.. I wish her and your family the very Best Healing & Recovery for the little one. 
And hope that helps your family and it's little Warrior Angel
~Brett
Means the world to me.
I agree, btw. Our fierce baby girl deserves a chance; she's certainly worked for it, over and over. Cassandra has surprised family and friends, even the medical teams that have worked on her behalf--she refuses to give it up.
She's my new pint-sized hero. 
My daughter-in-law heard about The Family House from someone associated with Pittsburgh Children's. Her worry is how long of a stay she might need once Cassandra's accepted (and yes, she's firm that acceptance is a happening thing ). Certainly beats the scattered chances of the McDonald House which we understand is first come first serve and btw, we're always full.
The logistics of these things can drive you nuts. But we'll get it done, one way or the other.
Thanks for the support!
Trust me, my son and his wife will be ever grateful. As am I.
And yes, I'll keep the community updated.
It makes me so angry that health care in this country is as it is. So many are in the shoes of your family.
Sending positive energy your way. I hope your granddaughter gets through this with flying colors.
Every bit helps. And yes, the healthcare system in the country is appalling and can be overwhelming, financially and emotionally, particularly when you're looking at catastrophic medical care.
Btw, the positive energy is valuable, too.
My son and his wife have been living a 'rob Peter to pay Paul existence' since Cassandra's birth. Most of us have been there but when the bills are never-ending whoppers, it begins to take a toll. This is the first time my son and daughter-in-law have reached out beyond the family. After three years, the prospect of ever-more medical expenses is keeping my son wide awake at night. He keeps saying he's going to have a heart attack from stress alone. I try to brush those comments off but still I worry; he will always be my baby boy. 
So, long-winded way of saying: every dollar helps and is truly appreciated.
I'm gobsmacked by the generosity, love and support.
DU is the best!
Sending love to you and the rest of her family.
For the donation and circulating the appeal. Wonderful!
The Warrior Princess thanks you, too.
Done, and my best to your family.
The Warrior Princess and I both thank you.
Though Cassandra doesn't go for gentle hugs. It's big bear hugs and sloppy kisses. She's that kind of warrior.
Thanks so much.
Btw, I spoke to my son earlier this evening and he was astonished by the donations. In a happy, relieved sort of way.
Your wishes match mine!
I know I wrote you a thank you but I obviously forgot to hit the 'post' button. My brain before my first cup of coffee, perhaps.
In any case, thank you for the support. Much appreciated!
Wish it could be more
Hugs and positive energy
And the hugs and positive energy are important, too!
Got a report tonight. Cassandra was cruising the corridors again with her shopping cart and Taylor Swift on her recorder.
Thank you for the kind words and support.
Think I joined DU during the 2016 primary (big Hillary fan here). I'd need to check the record. However, I've often shared your concern about legitimacy on some appeals. Think you just have to follow your gut and heart in these matters.
Appreciate the support!
Much appreciated!
Fierce! I doubt most adults could/would handle what she's been through with such aplomb. Maybe there's a stubborn gene I passed along to my son, and then to Cassandra.
I knew that gene would come in handy!
I'm sure Cassandra will sail through with gusto, what a sweetie pie
Kick-ass gene! I like that even better.
Thanks for the note. Made me laugh, always a good thing.
And the hugs. I'll pass those squeezes on.
Thank you so much!
The doctors in Pittsburgh are extraordinary and sometimes they're even miracle workers.
Your DU family cares and wants to help. Thank you PeggySue2 and may God bless!
Hoping for the best for your granddaughter!
