Badger Fund Update

Dear Contributors to Mr. Badger’s Cancer Fund:,

You are all wonderful!

Badger tells me that in just 48 hours, 59 people gave a total of $2,100. 

What does this mean in real terms?

The Badger family is now able to afford Hospice – an international program, largely staffed by volunteers and specially trained nurses, which is designed to provide care and comfort for the terminally ill.

As Badger told me, “Hospice is everything that the medical system is supposed to be but isn’t.”

Even though a stay in the hospital is much more expensive than the services of Hospice, the Badger’s medical insurance reimburses significantly less for Hospice.  How’s that for another absurd example of our deranged US medical system?

Because requesting the aid of hospice would add to their debt, the Badger family was trying to wait it out, and Badger was caring for her husband almost entirely by herself.

Thanks to your generous donations, there is now a professional support network in place to help the Badgers through this time.  With Hospice involved, Mr. Badger’s pain medication has been much more closely monitored, the dosages increased, and the nurses who come twice a week have reassured him that they will keep him from suffering physically.  This has been a huge relief.  In addition to helpful medical care, Hospice arranges for volunteers to come by on a regular basis.  This makes it possible for Badger to run to the grocery store, see a movie with Badger Boy , or just take a shower, without worrying.  The majority of Hospice volunteers have had someone close to them die of cancer – so they have the empathy of someone who has been in the same situation, and can knowledgably answer questions about what to expect.  The Badgers’ grief is still immeasurable, but much pain and fear has been allayed.

Not everyone in the family, however, has approved of using our donations to bring in Hospice:  When Badger Boy heard about the fund, he had a typical preadolescent’s response.

“Gee mom,” he said, “I think you’ve been doing a great job of taking care of Dad by yourself.  Can’t we get cable instead?”

Thanks, Badger, for sharing this quip with us.  It’s clear that your courage and competence are allowing Badger Boy to, well, be a boy.  We’re awed by the strength that permits you to keep your sense of humor even during these darkest days.

Our thoughts are with you.

Comments

[Cleis]

Really fantastic news. Thanks for the update.

[JM]

Yes, thanks for the update! It's difficult to say "great news!" when it involves such tragic affairs, but I know first-hand what a relief Hospice care brings to all involved.

[Pilgrim/Heretic]

Wow. I've also seen Hospice folks in action, and they are able to give a great deal of comfort and dignity in situations where that is all anyone is really able to give. I am so pleased we were able to make some small difference for the Badger family.

[bright star]

I'm glad some relief has been given to the family. LOL @ her son's comment. :)

[almostbloodydone]

Thanks for the update. Hospice volunteers and nurses provided immeasurable support and comfort to my family during the end of my mother's life. I'm so glad that our donations are allowing the Badger family to afford Hospice.

[ABDmom]

Thanks for the update. I'm relieved to hear they'll be able to afford hospice now. You will be leaving the fund open for contributions, right? I'd like to give a little bit each month.

[Laura (geekymom)]

Oh, I'm so glad to have given them a bit of relief.

[dorcasina]

It's good to have such immediate feedback, and to know that some of the most urgent needs that can be met are now, finally, being met. I'm with ABD Mom--I plan to add Badger's family to our monthly budget and hope the fund will remain accessible. This was a wonderful thing you did, AC.

[camicao]

Thanks for the update. It's heartening to see that enough money came in to provide some tangible help. Let's not forget to give again come Sept 1, when we're all dragging less financially.

[EverydaySuperGoddess]

Thank you for the latest, I've been checking back for updates.

I just put up a second post with links to these sites.

[FlippyO]

Thanks for the update. Most of all, I'm thankful that the donations have brought about a little piece of mind for the Badgers, and especially that Mr. Badger has been able to get the pain meds that he so deserves.

I agree, could you keep the donation button up?

[FlippyO]

Uh, der, peace of mind. Because what would they be doing with little pieces of minds? Ewww.

[Running2Ks]

That is so incredible! What a wonderful outcome!