Irene Mills

In April of 2009 my mom, Irene Mills, was diagnosed with Lymphoma/Leukemia.  She started undergoing chemotherapy right away and finished in November of 2009.  After a break of just over a year she started chemotherapy a second time this last spring.  About that time her doctor referred her to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) for a stem cell transplant.

When we found out about the stem cell transplant I kicked into over-drive.  Fundraising needed to happen and the transplant was scheduled for November (2011) so I organized the first Mystery Quilt by Email Benefiting Cancer Patients.  My mom has really good insurance and the majority of the transplant was covered by it.  However, there were other expenses not covered by insurance: housing near the SCCA, food, utilities, etc.  Not to mention both my parents have small businesses just getting off the ground.

The first Mystery Quilt was a huge success.  I was able to give my mom $810.

The transplant took place on December 6th (in the wee hours of the morning).  She has been recovering with my dad as her full-time care giver since then.  She has been an inspiration to me and so many others.

Sandee (Adair) Gascoigne

Sandee is 45 years old and no stranger to tragedy and heartache.  Sandy was born in Lakewood Washington.  When Sandee was 10 Years old her father, Samuel Adair, gave his life to save another’s  in a tragic accident at The Boeing Co.  Sandee’s brother, Rob Adair, lost his life to Lymphoma Cancer in March of 2011.

Three years ago Sandee married John Gascoigne.  Sandee has been blessed with 3 children. 18 yr. old twin boys, Sebastian, and Alexander, and a 13 yr. old daughter Fancesca.

Sandee had been fighting cancer in her left eye for the past 5 yrs.  Last spring she learned the cancer metastasized to her lungs and brain.  She was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and had possibly 6-8 months to live.

 No one — family or friends — could accept this diagnosis.  We all prayed and cried for Sandee.  She was asked if she had a bucket list.  She smiled and said no.  She has everything she ever wanted.  She has her family and her faith.  She gave all of this to the Lord.

 John wanted a second opinion and made an appointment at Fred Hutch Cancer Care Alliance.  The tumors in each lung were removed at the University of Washington Medical Center.  Having Group Health Insurance left them with a lot of medical bills.

 Group Health and Fred Hutch started to work together to care for Sandee.  Low level brain radiation was performed on Sandee’s brain several times.  Gold beebees were inserted just under the skin of her scalp to be used as markers for the last large dose of radiation to the brain to kill the largest tumor.  Following the radiation, Sandee had four IV Chemo treatments.  Sandee said the gold beebees  are her permanent bling.J   Through all of this Sandee had so much faith and she wanted us to be positive with her.

Sandee’s passion in life are her cooking, baking bread, knitting and caring for her family.  We had a wonderful Christmas with her.  The best gift of all was the latest Pet Scan results.  It came back clear.  No new tumors.  She will continue to follow Doctors orders and addition follow-up testing.

Some of you in Washington State may know Sandee from The Metropolitan Market, Knapps Diner, and Mama Stortinis Restaurant.  Sandee is known and loved by many people in the area.  We all thank you for your help with the medical bills.

You all are a blessing to us.

 Thank You,

Janice York

(mother-in-law)