Well, we've filmed the video application yesterday. It was a long, emotional day. It was hard to see JoAnn so tired and weak and to see both Mike and JoAnn talk so frankly about JoAnn's health and prognosis.
But, now the video is being edited. Mike is completing the paper application. It should all be sent off next week. Portions of the video application may be posted on YouTube. We'll keep you posted!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Filming Nominations Tonight!
We will be filming nominations from the community for the family to be on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition at the Fort Branch Wesleyan Church at 7PM tonight! Come on out!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Awareness Benefit Event: Godsend Savvy
The Godsend Savvy Team is hosting an awareness benefit for the Stonestreet Family. The following is the information posted on the Event's Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=27317832&k=YXF45VTY665G6BEBPG26V3TWYTADXYWBQPH&oid=136715256341997 - Sorry, I'm not html-savvy enough to make this an actual link....I'll work on that!):
"Date: Saturday, July 24, 2010
Time: 3:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Fort Branch Wesleyan Church 202 Vine St Fort Branch, IN 47648
FREE Food, Entertainment, and Education!
We will be having local/regional bands and representatives for every disease/disorder that the family is dealing with coming to speak and provide necessary information to the guests.
This is a FREE event, but guests will be highly encouraged to give a donation to support the family. 100% of donations will be given to the Stonestreet Family.
To give in advance make checks payable to the Fort Branch Wesleyan Church
Why are we doing this?
The Stonestreet Family recently found out that JoAnn (wife & mother) has cancer. On top of this , Mike (husband & father) has diabetes, Nicole, age 10, (daughter & sister) has epilepsy, and Hunter, age 9 (son & brother) has autism. Both Mike and JoAnn are out of work, and the medical bills are beginning to pile up.
We want to see this community band together and help support a family in dire need!
Anyone interested in volunteering time or service as this even please contact
Mary or Amanda Salee via facebook message."
If you're interested in volunteering and can't find Mary or Amanda Salee, comment here, and I'll get you the information.
A recent update says that there will also be face painting and an appearance by BATMAN!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Bad News Health Update - Cancer is Worse
JoAnn had a PET scan. The results were not good. The melanoma is throughout her body. Devasting.
What else can you say? I'm heart-broken. Everyone has been so positive, and all of sudden, it's all swept away.
It's so sad to think of the kids growing up without JoAnn. I can't imagine Mike without her. And, I don't want to.
JoAnn wants to fight it. She's still planning to get her port on Thursday and to start chemo next week. Who knows what is in store for her next.
This post will be posted on a delay. My family needs time to share the news with everyone personally. This was written on 6/16/10.
What else can you say? I'm heart-broken. Everyone has been so positive, and all of sudden, it's all swept away.
It's so sad to think of the kids growing up without JoAnn. I can't imagine Mike without her. And, I don't want to.
JoAnn wants to fight it. She's still planning to get her port on Thursday and to start chemo next week. Who knows what is in store for her next.
This post will be posted on a delay. My family needs time to share the news with everyone personally. This was written on 6/16/10.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Latest News
JoAnn's recent biopsy indicates that she had melanoma in her chest/neck area. This is actually a huge relief since we weren't sure if it was the same cancer. We don't really know what lies ahead (Do any of us?), but it's a better outlook knowing that the new "spot" is also melanoma rather than some other type of cancer. We also know that JoAnn will be having a PET scan in the coming days. Hopeuflly, it will show no new cancer. JoAnn will also get a port soon. She hasn't started chemo, yet.
Brian and I will be going home to visit and also to film the video application for the Stonestreets' ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in the next few weekends. We are excited to help out with this project.
A generous well-wisher DONATED a washing machine to the Stonestreets! Now the family can keep up with the laundry. I can't imagine how difficult it is to do laundry for a family of four (Brian and I's laundry is more than enough.).
Mary, a member of the Stonestreets' church - who has been phenomenal in helping raise funds for medical expenses and travel, is looking for a comedian for a fundraising event. As you can imagine, a few moments of humor and levity would help the situation quite a lot.
Sorry this post is not more insightful, but I hope it has at least been informative. Thanks for your continued support.
Brian and I will be going home to visit and also to film the video application for the Stonestreets' ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in the next few weekends. We are excited to help out with this project.
A generous well-wisher DONATED a washing machine to the Stonestreets! Now the family can keep up with the laundry. I can't imagine how difficult it is to do laundry for a family of four (Brian and I's laundry is more than enough.).
Mary, a member of the Stonestreets' church - who has been phenomenal in helping raise funds for medical expenses and travel, is looking for a comedian for a fundraising event. As you can imagine, a few moments of humor and levity would help the situation quite a lot.
Sorry this post is not more insightful, but I hope it has at least been informative. Thanks for your continued support.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Thankful
I know, two posts in one day - is the world coming to an end? Well, I don't know.
But I do need to post again. It seems a little ironic that amidst all this devasting illness in my family that I am thankful, but that's exactly how I feel tonight. Well, there is sadness mixed in.
I recently read a blog by a high school classmate about another classmate's baby. The young baby died within days of her birth. Now, a college classmate's baby remains in the hospital after being born two months early. (Although, there is good news that she is doing well and may go home soon.) I read some internet news about melanoma that concerns me about how long I'll have to have phone conversations with JoAnn, how many more times I'll make it home to see her, and how many more holidays I'll have with her.
But mixed with all this sadness, I'm thankful. I'm thankful for the ever-sweet JoAnn and her beautiful, smart children. I'm thankful for the luck my family has had throughout the years.
Every time someone is pregnant or sick, I hear someone (usually several someones) in my family comment about how lucky we've been over the years. Grahma had five pretty healthy kids. I knew my Great-Grandma Izzy - not only knew her, but stayed the night with her when she lived by herself. My mom's generation only had one miscarriage of which I know. My generation has only had one miscarriage of which I know. JoAnn's been the only other pregnancy where we've had a scare, and it lasted less than a day (as far as I remember).
This list isn't to diminish any of my family's pain or grief. Obviously, we've had our share. My grandfather died when my mom and her siblings were still young. My uncle has battled diabetes since childhood. My step-grandfather died of cancer after I graduated college. My Uncle Bill (who's really my grahma's brother) died while I was in high school (or maybe middle school). My Uncle Red (who's also my grahma's brother) died before I was born. My Aunt Lynda's recent cancer (which she beat). But, it could be worse.
It could be worse. Have I just been brain-washed by my family to believe this long-standing family mantra, or do I recognize the blessings and the value of having the love and relationships of my family? I think it's probably the second, but either way, I don't really care. I am glad to have my family. My closer-than-most family. (More on that later.) And, I plan to make the most of the time that I have with all of them.
Watch out, Casa de Stonestreet, I may be visiting more frequently.
But I do need to post again. It seems a little ironic that amidst all this devasting illness in my family that I am thankful, but that's exactly how I feel tonight. Well, there is sadness mixed in.
I recently read a blog by a high school classmate about another classmate's baby. The young baby died within days of her birth. Now, a college classmate's baby remains in the hospital after being born two months early. (Although, there is good news that she is doing well and may go home soon.) I read some internet news about melanoma that concerns me about how long I'll have to have phone conversations with JoAnn, how many more times I'll make it home to see her, and how many more holidays I'll have with her.
But mixed with all this sadness, I'm thankful. I'm thankful for the ever-sweet JoAnn and her beautiful, smart children. I'm thankful for the luck my family has had throughout the years.
Every time someone is pregnant or sick, I hear someone (usually several someones) in my family comment about how lucky we've been over the years. Grahma had five pretty healthy kids. I knew my Great-Grandma Izzy - not only knew her, but stayed the night with her when she lived by herself. My mom's generation only had one miscarriage of which I know. My generation has only had one miscarriage of which I know. JoAnn's been the only other pregnancy where we've had a scare, and it lasted less than a day (as far as I remember).
This list isn't to diminish any of my family's pain or grief. Obviously, we've had our share. My grandfather died when my mom and her siblings were still young. My uncle has battled diabetes since childhood. My step-grandfather died of cancer after I graduated college. My Uncle Bill (who's really my grahma's brother) died while I was in high school (or maybe middle school). My Uncle Red (who's also my grahma's brother) died before I was born. My Aunt Lynda's recent cancer (which she beat). But, it could be worse.
It could be worse. Have I just been brain-washed by my family to believe this long-standing family mantra, or do I recognize the blessings and the value of having the love and relationships of my family? I think it's probably the second, but either way, I don't really care. I am glad to have my family. My closer-than-most family. (More on that later.) And, I plan to make the most of the time that I have with all of them.
Watch out, Casa de Stonestreet, I may be visiting more frequently.
Needs Being Met
While the Stonestreets need a lot of help right now, there is cause to celebrate: Someone has donated a WASHING MACHINE to the Stonestreets! Thank you!
The Stonestreets still need donations to help with medical bills and household items. Please donate through the Fort Branch Wesleyan Church at 200 East Vine Street, Fort Branch, IN 47648-1118. Mary is in charge of the BBQ fundraiser. They are selling local BBQ. You need to purchase before you pick it up. If you need more information, please call Mary at home: (812) 753-5016 or on her cell: (812) 632-0518.
JoAnn is at home resting. She will be getting a port for her chemotherapy next week. Chemo will start in the next couple of weeks. I will post more about her progress and treatment in the weeks to come.
The Stonestreets still need donations to help with medical bills and household items. Please donate through the Fort Branch Wesleyan Church at 200 East Vine Street, Fort Branch, IN 47648-1118. Mary is in charge of the BBQ fundraiser. They are selling local BBQ. You need to purchase before you pick it up. If you need more information, please call Mary at home: (812) 753-5016 or on her cell: (812) 632-0518.
JoAnn is at home resting. She will be getting a port for her chemotherapy next week. Chemo will start in the next couple of weeks. I will post more about her progress and treatment in the weeks to come.
Friday, June 4, 2010
What is this all about?
Well, I'm glad you asked! My cousin, Mike (officially Vernon, aka "Stoney"), has had a rough 2009 and 2010 so far. This blog is to help get the word out and, hopefully, get his family some help. Here's his story:
Meet the Stonestreets. Vernon, who is often called Mike or “Stoney,” is a Union Sheet Metal Worker in Southern Indiana. Vernon enjoys hunting and providing for his family. JoAnn is a kind, sweet, bank worker turned stay-at-home mom turned factory worker. Many would tell you that they have never heard her raise her voice to anyone. Nicole is a ten year old girl who loves soccer. Nicole went hunting with a pink rifle with her dad, but lately prefers being with her friends. Hunter is nine. He really enjoys cars and can tell you what make, model, and year just drove down the street.
The family lives in a modest house in need of some serious repairs. Nicole and Hunter currently share a room, which as you can imagine, is not the ideal situation for anyone in the house. Vernon was turning an entry room into a bedroom for Nicole, but the roof leaks so he was stopped before ever starting. There are several other leaky spots that Vernon would like to fix, but the family just can’t afford the material right now. Vernon just fixed the air conditioner so the house isn’t quite so hot. The rooms are a little small, but JoAnn would tell you, that just makes the family close. Despite the less than ideal situation, the family has never complained and instead has felt blessed to have a place to call their own.
Vernon and JoAnn were high school sweethearts who married. Throughout the marriage, Vernon was laid off and sent to work. After a few years, the couple had a beautiful baby girl, Nicole. A few years later, the family was expecting a new edition, and life was coming up roses for the young family.
But, immediately after the birth of their second child, Hunter, JoAnn's health was in jeopardy. Her blood pressure dropped unexpectedly. The doctors were frantically trying to help her. Vernon stayed right by her side, a dedicated husband. Within a few days, JoAnn was enjoying her new bundle of joy, Hunter. Everyone thought the worst was over.
Until a few years later, Hunter was diagnosed with Autism. Most of the extended family had a hard time accepting this, but Vernon and JoAnn began researching and finding ways to help their son through life. Vernon and JoAnn have always felt so blessed to have Hunter. The extended family was amazed at how Vernon and JoAnn kept it together in the midst of such turmoil.
In 2005, Vernon’s brother-in-law, Mike, had to have heart surgery due to misshapen valve with which he was born. Mike had to go to Indianapolis for this surgery. Vernon and JoAnn helped take care of Mike’s five kids while Sharon, Vernon’s sister and Mike’s wife, was staying with Mike in Indianapolis. Although the surgery was successful, Mike suffered a complication. Mike was put into a medical coma for almost a month while the doctor’s treated him for the complication. Vernon and JoAnn were a constant comfort for Sharon and the kids.
For the Stonestreets, 2009 was a rough year that spilt over into 2010. In early 2009, Vernon’s father, Mike (Yes, there are a lot of Mikes in this family!), was in an accident. Mike has been an insulin-dependent diabetic since childhood. One day, his blood sugar dropped very low. So low, in fact, that Mike drove onto a sidewalk, stopped, and handed a stranger his wallet telling the stranger that he didn’t know who he was. Luckily, the stranger was a good Samaritan and called an ambulance. Mike quickly recovered and started a new diabetic medicine. The Stonestreets felt lucky that Mike was not injured or did not injure anyone else.
In March 2009, Vernon’s grandmother, Betty, was in a car accident which actually turned out to be a miracle. Betty’s heart valve was not working properly, and she passed out while driving when the vavle failed to open and pump her blood. Her car side-swipped two parked vehicles and flipped over. The doctors said that the impact of the car accident probably jostled the valve causing it work again. Betty had major heart surgery where her valve was replaced. The Stonestreet luck prevailed, and Betty has returned to work and her family as good as new.
More recently, Vernon's mom, Lynda, was diagnosed with duodenal cancer, a rare cancer of the intestines. After researching the cancer and the treatments, the outcome seemed bleak. Lynda endured a seven-hour surgery, several chemotherapy treatments, and all the side-effects of chemotherapy. Lynda, however, was a fighter. She was cancer-free at Christmas 2009. Once again, the Stonestreets felt lucky and blessed that Lynda had pulled through without any major complications.
While Lynda was battling cancer, Nicole, the bubbly daughter, had a seizure while at school playing with her friends. Everyone commented at how lucky it was that Nicole does not remember it. Nicole has tolerated several diagnostic tests to figure out her epilepsy. The Stonestreets remain hopeful that she will out-grow it and be seizure free.
As Lynda went to the doctor to have her port removed (a painful medical device that allowed easy access for the chemotherapy treatment) and Nicole was being tested for epilepsy, JoAnn learned that she has stage 3 melanoma. One of the first statistics was that only 40% of patients in her position live more than 5 years after treatment.
JoAnn had a surgery to put a drainage tube in her leg. A few months later, she had a second surgery to insert a new drainage tube and remove the cancer in Indianapolis. The surgery was a success, but now, JoAnn is embarking upon a new journey to ensure that she is cancer-free. Before JoAnn begins radiation and/or chemotherapy, she is having a surgery to correct a vertebra which has been causing her a lot of pain. With the size of her cancer, the doctor in Indianapolis has significantly decreased the statistics of survival for 5 years.
JoAnn took a few years off of work when Mike was working steadily to raise the kids. Since both kids are in school and with the economy and lay offs, she was working at a Toyota Factory. After being diagnosed with the cancer in her leg, she has taken time off of work for treatment. She has been granted a very small social security disability income while Mike is laid off. When Mike returns to work, her check will either be decreased or stopped.
The Stonestreets’ luck has continued, though. So far, they have received an outpouring of support from their extended family, friends, and church. People have brought over food and helped take care of the kids. Their church, the Fort Branch Wesleyan Church, is holding a fundraiser for the family. Watch this page for more information.
Unfortunately, the luck hasn’t continued for the washing machine. The washing machine is dead. The family is looking for a new, gently used washing machine to help keep the family in clean clothes!
During all of these trying times, the Stonestreets have felt blessed and lucky that they weren’t worse. They are humbled by knowing that many people have these hard times and don’t make it through to the other side with such luck as they have. Despite the hardships and hard times, Vernon and JoAnn’s love, patience, and positive attitudes have propelled them through.
Meet the Stonestreets. Vernon, who is often called Mike or “Stoney,” is a Union Sheet Metal Worker in Southern Indiana. Vernon enjoys hunting and providing for his family. JoAnn is a kind, sweet, bank worker turned stay-at-home mom turned factory worker. Many would tell you that they have never heard her raise her voice to anyone. Nicole is a ten year old girl who loves soccer. Nicole went hunting with a pink rifle with her dad, but lately prefers being with her friends. Hunter is nine. He really enjoys cars and can tell you what make, model, and year just drove down the street.
The family lives in a modest house in need of some serious repairs. Nicole and Hunter currently share a room, which as you can imagine, is not the ideal situation for anyone in the house. Vernon was turning an entry room into a bedroom for Nicole, but the roof leaks so he was stopped before ever starting. There are several other leaky spots that Vernon would like to fix, but the family just can’t afford the material right now. Vernon just fixed the air conditioner so the house isn’t quite so hot. The rooms are a little small, but JoAnn would tell you, that just makes the family close. Despite the less than ideal situation, the family has never complained and instead has felt blessed to have a place to call their own.
Vernon and JoAnn were high school sweethearts who married. Throughout the marriage, Vernon was laid off and sent to work. After a few years, the couple had a beautiful baby girl, Nicole. A few years later, the family was expecting a new edition, and life was coming up roses for the young family.
But, immediately after the birth of their second child, Hunter, JoAnn's health was in jeopardy. Her blood pressure dropped unexpectedly. The doctors were frantically trying to help her. Vernon stayed right by her side, a dedicated husband. Within a few days, JoAnn was enjoying her new bundle of joy, Hunter. Everyone thought the worst was over.
Until a few years later, Hunter was diagnosed with Autism. Most of the extended family had a hard time accepting this, but Vernon and JoAnn began researching and finding ways to help their son through life. Vernon and JoAnn have always felt so blessed to have Hunter. The extended family was amazed at how Vernon and JoAnn kept it together in the midst of such turmoil.
In 2005, Vernon’s brother-in-law, Mike, had to have heart surgery due to misshapen valve with which he was born. Mike had to go to Indianapolis for this surgery. Vernon and JoAnn helped take care of Mike’s five kids while Sharon, Vernon’s sister and Mike’s wife, was staying with Mike in Indianapolis. Although the surgery was successful, Mike suffered a complication. Mike was put into a medical coma for almost a month while the doctor’s treated him for the complication. Vernon and JoAnn were a constant comfort for Sharon and the kids.
For the Stonestreets, 2009 was a rough year that spilt over into 2010. In early 2009, Vernon’s father, Mike (Yes, there are a lot of Mikes in this family!), was in an accident. Mike has been an insulin-dependent diabetic since childhood. One day, his blood sugar dropped very low. So low, in fact, that Mike drove onto a sidewalk, stopped, and handed a stranger his wallet telling the stranger that he didn’t know who he was. Luckily, the stranger was a good Samaritan and called an ambulance. Mike quickly recovered and started a new diabetic medicine. The Stonestreets felt lucky that Mike was not injured or did not injure anyone else.
In March 2009, Vernon’s grandmother, Betty, was in a car accident which actually turned out to be a miracle. Betty’s heart valve was not working properly, and she passed out while driving when the vavle failed to open and pump her blood. Her car side-swipped two parked vehicles and flipped over. The doctors said that the impact of the car accident probably jostled the valve causing it work again. Betty had major heart surgery where her valve was replaced. The Stonestreet luck prevailed, and Betty has returned to work and her family as good as new.
More recently, Vernon's mom, Lynda, was diagnosed with duodenal cancer, a rare cancer of the intestines. After researching the cancer and the treatments, the outcome seemed bleak. Lynda endured a seven-hour surgery, several chemotherapy treatments, and all the side-effects of chemotherapy. Lynda, however, was a fighter. She was cancer-free at Christmas 2009. Once again, the Stonestreets felt lucky and blessed that Lynda had pulled through without any major complications.
While Lynda was battling cancer, Nicole, the bubbly daughter, had a seizure while at school playing with her friends. Everyone commented at how lucky it was that Nicole does not remember it. Nicole has tolerated several diagnostic tests to figure out her epilepsy. The Stonestreets remain hopeful that she will out-grow it and be seizure free.
As Lynda went to the doctor to have her port removed (a painful medical device that allowed easy access for the chemotherapy treatment) and Nicole was being tested for epilepsy, JoAnn learned that she has stage 3 melanoma. One of the first statistics was that only 40% of patients in her position live more than 5 years after treatment.
JoAnn had a surgery to put a drainage tube in her leg. A few months later, she had a second surgery to insert a new drainage tube and remove the cancer in Indianapolis. The surgery was a success, but now, JoAnn is embarking upon a new journey to ensure that she is cancer-free. Before JoAnn begins radiation and/or chemotherapy, she is having a surgery to correct a vertebra which has been causing her a lot of pain. With the size of her cancer, the doctor in Indianapolis has significantly decreased the statistics of survival for 5 years.
JoAnn took a few years off of work when Mike was working steadily to raise the kids. Since both kids are in school and with the economy and lay offs, she was working at a Toyota Factory. After being diagnosed with the cancer in her leg, she has taken time off of work for treatment. She has been granted a very small social security disability income while Mike is laid off. When Mike returns to work, her check will either be decreased or stopped.
The Stonestreets’ luck has continued, though. So far, they have received an outpouring of support from their extended family, friends, and church. People have brought over food and helped take care of the kids. Their church, the Fort Branch Wesleyan Church, is holding a fundraiser for the family. Watch this page for more information.
Unfortunately, the luck hasn’t continued for the washing machine. The washing machine is dead. The family is looking for a new, gently used washing machine to help keep the family in clean clothes!
During all of these trying times, the Stonestreets have felt blessed and lucky that they weren’t worse. They are humbled by knowing that many people have these hard times and don’t make it through to the other side with such luck as they have. Despite the hardships and hard times, Vernon and JoAnn’s love, patience, and positive attitudes have propelled them through.
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