UPDATE FEBRUARY, 2017
A lot of people have been reaching out to the Welch Family, so we thought it would be a good idea to give you all an update.
I want to begin by thanking everyone who has previously assisted Bruce and his family, either through monetary donations, dinners sent, cards, phone calls or simply words and thoughts of support. It has helped tremendously for them to know that everyone loves Bruce and his family.
Our dear friend, husband, father, Bruce, continues to fight his battle with Cancer. However, the last scans that he had done showed the Chemotherapy has stopped working. He had started immunotherapy, but either the treatment or disease began to affect his liver. His Doctors have decided to take him off treatment except for radiation and pain killers as pain management. Recently things have progressed and it is getting harder for Bruce to physically get around. Bruce’s family has started the process with hospice so they can get the palliative care and help they and Bruce need in this difficult stage of Bruce’s disease.
He needs his wife to be with him and they deserve this time and whatever time they may have left together. Kathy's work now keeps her away from home even though her greatest need at this time is to take care of her husband. She has decided to cut back her hours at work to be with him. We want to help in some way, anyway, so I am reaching out to ask you to help the Welches and make a donation so Kathy can stay home where she is needed the most at this time.
Everyone keeps asking if there is anything they can do, so we are hoping you all will continue your loving support by visiting these websites, sharing them, posting your well wishes and hopefully donating to their “gofundme” account. You all have been amazing, but your help is still needed. We love you all!
https://www.gofundme.com/bruce-welchsrPOSTED MAY, 2016
As you may have heard, our friend (and your friend, relative, acquaintance, co-worker), Bruce Welch was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer around the Christmas Holiday 2015 and is currently battling this horrible disease that you all know is not what Bruce and his family had ever envisioned. He has been undergoing aggressive and invasive treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy which we all know, are not anything that we would wish on our worst enemy. Additionally, Bruce may have fractures in his bones (including his spinal vertebrae) which have added to his frustration and fear regarding his immediate future. In conversation, Bruce has (in his own matter-of-fact way), described everything he is going through as being a “pin cushion”. We all have known family members, loved-ones or friends who have battled cancer and know that the diagnosis comes with fear, foreboding, anxiety and everything else that comes with a diagnosis of cancer. The thoughts that go through one’s mind once the diagnosis is made are nothing but the worst nightmares that one can envision.
We all know that Bruce is a devoted husband, father, uncle, friend, co-worker and the battle ahead for him is long and filled with uncertainty. Obviously, he will continue to undergo debilitating treatment and we only pray that everything that he is going through will prolong his life and give him relief from the ravages of this evil disease.
Bruce has had to go on disability leave from his job which he has been devoted to for over 25 years and has undergone a significant financial downturn as a result. Additionally, he may eventually have to seek long-term disability (which is not provided for at this time) and his and his family’s financial well-being is affected by his current circumstances. With everything else in his life that is going on, this is not something that he wishes on himself and his family.
We look forward to your support of Bruce and his family who will appreciate your showing of friendship, sympathy, spiritual and financial support in this on-going battle with a dreaded disease. We wish the best for Bruce and pray that his battle will be rewarded with the thought that he had so many in support of him and we can only wish that his fight is rewarded with time here with us all and his family.
