Craig’s Story

Site created on July 5, 2020

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

During the  late Spring of 2020 Craig started noticing some changes to his stomach, he was waking up in the middle of the night with abdominal pain. He had unintentionally lost 35 pounds over the winter. Due to co-vid, we couldn't put the weight loss off to "less cocktails and less dining out". We knew a doctors appointment was necessary. Craig's primary doctor ordered CT scan right away after feeling a softball size abdominal mass and some enlarged lymph nodes. There was a lot of back and forth for the plan of the next step; I felt the best place for him was the Uof M. He had a his biopsy done there and an initial consultation (virtually). It was a tough visit with minimal hope. Next day things changed around when we arrived at MN Oncology.

We are hopeful for what the future holds;TIME. we just want a little bit more time. Thank you for loving Craig so much. He is doing a great job, we are so proud of him!

Love

Jonathan & Mandy




Newest Update

Journal entry by Amanda Burlingame

A year ago today was Craigs diagnosis day. This day has weighed heavy on my heart for a long time. I think of what this past year has brought all of us and I am at a loss of adjectives for my emotions anymore. 
I was explaining to a friend at dinner last night Craigs journey of diagnosis, remission, traveling, and reoccurring cancers, quick decline, hospice & now all moved out of the apartment! All under a year.. it’s a lot. 

We as a family definitely miss him; our grief has been coming at us at different times. Packing up his apartment was really difficult.
 I guess we never really realized how much we called him. Jonathan and I figured out we talked to him at least 1-2 times per day + texting. I really miss calling him to let him know what the kids are up to and sending him Pictures of the kids! I have caught myself a few times almost texting him, especially when Neeley got her braces off! He would have been excited for that day! 😉 And hockey camp, he was so excited for beau to go to camp… 

Mom, Jonathan & I are still talking about how special the funeral to us. So many great friends & family. That was beautiful to see so many people who cared about Craig and all of us. That was special. Thank you.  

As we move forward in life without Craig , we know that we have our memories. 
Thank you once again for everything this past year. 
We love you! 
Take care, 
Mandy, Jonathan, & Karolee 




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