How YOU Can Help

Last week I was watching The Ellen Show and saw Ellen give a car away to a young woman who had been having a difficult time. She had gone through 5 cars in the past 6 months. One after the other was breaking down on her. She had written to Ellen, went to see the show, and ended up playing a game in which she won a car (it was a set up). After seeing that episode I was determined to get my aunt and uncle a new car.

Let's back up a few days prior. My aunt came down to Columbus for her doctors visit at The James (more info on that from my mom soon). Later that night when I was talking to my mom she told me that the engine in their Escape just stopped working. The car is older, but still should have lasted longer. Just another thing to add to their plate! I knew that they needed help, but didn't know where to go. Then that week I saw Ellen. My game face was on! They need Ellen's help. If that healthy young woman can get one, well then so can they!

So, for the past week I have been emailing Ellen DeGeneres every day. No response yet. I really will keep doing this until I hear something back too. Then the other morning I wondered what would happen if others emailed her as well, regarding Aleisha. So I'm asking you to do them a favor...Copy and Paste the note below on Ellen's website. She even has a special part on the site just for those who need a car!

You can click on my links or read these directions:
1. Go to http://ellen.warnerbros.com/
2. Click "Be on the show"
3. Scroll down until you see "Do you know someone who needs a new car?" and click
4. Type in your info (If you don't mind)

5. Add the picture below (mandatory)

6. Copy and Paste this:
Dear Ellen,
I am writing to you in regards of Aleisha Brickner from AleishasAngels.blogspot.com. Aleisha is a 41 year old mother of two young boys. She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma six years ago. Aleisha and her husband drive the two hours from their small town to Columbus, Ohio for treatment and doctors appointments at least once a week. Recently the engine in their Escape stopped working. They have drained their savings on medical bills and babysitters and the last thing they need to worry about this holiday is their car. This car was their family car. While they do have another old car, an Escort is difficult for a family of four to ride around in, especially

when Aleisha is having a difficult time getting in and out of the car.
Please help this family during their time of need this holiday season. Please contact her family at aleishasangels@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

{Your Name}

{right click and save to add picture}

Please let me know if you have any questions!!

THANK YOU!
Brittany

ps. I was really worried about writing Ellen. The last thing I want for them is any kind of media coverage or extra stress. But they need help and if that means going about it this way, then the least we can do is try :)

a rough evening

Last night was rough......Aleisha has been having some gait issues. She is relying on the assistance of others to walk distances. The swelling has increased due to the increased amounts of steroids and she is more fatigued. Her visit was a follow up with the Radiation Oncologist, but he struck a nerve when he mentioned that his concern was the cancer had spread to the spinal fluid....She has had 3 doses of the Epi--this just cannot happen ...she will need a Spinal tap in order to make the diagnosis. Then onto the next appointment..the Oncologist...after a 2 1/2 hr wait with a tired cancer pt, her husband and a 20 month old. What an ordeal! Only to hear that she looks good and Epi doesn't have a history of being effective on cancer once
it is in the spinal fluid. Then more bad news...the measurable indicator of Epi's effectiveness (the new chemo) is the level of one's LDH. The lower, the better. Last check it was in the low 200's and life looked good...today..448..not so good. So not a good night.

After a long night my brother in law took the baby and went to get the car...I took my unsteady sister by the arm and slowly we guided our way down the long hsopital hall ....onward to the front entrance so that she could be retreived by her husband and her now asleep little angel only to drive almost 2 hrs back home. Oh and if that isn't all....their luck has jut not been so great..their less than 4 yr old car blew it's engine 2 days earlier....just another obsticle for this family with a cancer stricken mother to work out...life just doesn't seem to be fair....

on to Epi infusion #3!!

Aleisha has now gotten 2 doses of the new "trial" of Epi infusion for Melanoma. The good news is that her LDH has decreased which has been a pattern with the cancer growth decreasing, we will wait and see. however, she has taken several trips to the ER....She had some episodes after the 2nd infusion of falling and forgetfullness...and a CT/MRI was conclusive that the brain was quite swollen. That is apparently common with the chemo, but a concerning factor was that the small frontal lesion has doubled in size. Although it does appear to still be small, growth is never a good thing. She will get her 3rd infusion next week and follow up with the neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist in early December for either gamma knife to the lesion or surgical removal. So now we again wait. We hope and pray the Epi chemo is working (only one more option--Leukine therapy which requires 30 day inpt stay)..Her oldest son, William, turns 4 years old on November 20th. A big Sponge Bob Birthday Party is planned! It will be a wonderful day for this fighting mom...to see her son turn 4. Baby Zach will be 2 in March...so we keep plugging along. Looking forward to the holidays this year with the family together. She is still having issues with swelling, GI, and infections but continues to fight. She is a trooper and a hero. Please continue your prayers because the season of miracles is upon us (everyday is a day for miracles...we must remember that) and we continue to be grateful for each and every day.