The Co-workers, family and friends of Jared Long (a long time Stock Building Supply associate) and his wife, Tammy Long, who is undergoing treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer, are writing to you in hopes that you may be willing to give us a hand. Please join them for a benefit in Tammy’s honor at the Onalaska American Legion on Saturday, July 28th.
They’re looking for volunteers to dontate time and/ or talents to help Jared and Tammy with their medical and living expenses.
Following are just a few of the struggles that Tammy and Jared have endured during Tammy’s illness.
Tammy Long is 44 years old. In January 2002, she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a lung disease which destroys the soft tissue of the lungs and replaces it with scar tissue. Tammy was told that her only chance for survival would be to receive a lung transplant. After months of extensive testing at the University Hospital in Madison, WI, on March 9, 2002 Tammy was placed on the national transplant waiting list. She was sent home on 6 liters of oxygen to sustain her pulmonary functions where she remained for over 4 years. Prior to the transplant center’s call with the news of a donor organ, Tammy’s left lung had collapsed and her right lung was failing rapidly. Tammy knew that she could not hold on much longer. The next morning, August 29, 2006 the long awaited call came, a donor lung was a match and available for Tammy.
In April of this year, eight months of healing and feeling the joy of finally getting her life back, a routine chest x-ray revealed a suspicious spot on her left lung. Tammy underwent a lung biopsy on May 3rd and on May 7th she and her husband, Jared, were given the devastating news that her diagnosis was an Aggressive Lung Cancer called Small Cell Lung Cancer. Tammy immediately began chemotherapy treatments. Due to her lung transplant and very complex medical situation, Tammy must travel to Madison for each chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Although this has left Tammy and Jared physically, emotionally and financially devastated, they continue to stay positive. Tammy just keeps smiling and says “I have come too far to quit now!” Her attitude and outlook on life is one of admiration; she will not give up!
July 28th will be here before we know it, so we are collecting all auction items and raffle items at Stock Building Supply on or before July 20th in order to give us time to advertise these items. Monetary donations can be dropped off as well or mailed to 1735 Kramer Street, La Crosse, WI 54603 anytime before the benefit. Please make checks payable to Tammy Long Benefit Fund.
For more information call Lori Stuhr or Loren Nerby 781-3900 or Loren and Sandy Nerby at 526-4587.
