Brain Tumor with no Insurance… not in the plan

Hi, This is Steve… I hijacked Linda’s Blog so I could let you know what this amazing lady is dealing with.

Linda with ELFIS

SHORT STORY: Linda has a brain tumor returning, we’re uninsured and I’m trying to raise money to get her the help she needs before it gets critical.

Here’s some history that might be helpful. When I first met Linda in 1995 she was literally fighting for her life.  A year prior, she had been diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumor and as a result it caused Cushings disease. This type of tumor is generally stress related… caused by and generating an overproduction of cortisol.  This creates a catch 22.  The cortisol feeds the tumor and the tumor produces more cortisol (the stress hormone that gives you the flight or fight response and raises blood pressure).  That is what is life threatening…  it stresses the heart, kidneys and brain causing stroke or heart attack. Over the last 15 years she has dealt with it successfully 4 times with both traditionally (drugs 1995 & surgery in 2000) and natural treatments (1996, 1997 and 2002). The last time being when our daughter was raped 8 years ago. Having been symptom free for over 7 years we thought it was finally behind us, until the so familiar symptoms starting showing up again over the last few months. Headaches, blood pressure way too high, skin and hair issues and even with a strict diet and exercise she’s gained excessive weight. All evidence that the tumor was thriving and signaling the body to produce excessive amounts of cortisol.

We knew we needed to get very proactive to keep it from getting to the life threatening stage of the past. Being uninsured with a brain tumor to deal with was not in our plan, plus like many others, this last year has also taken a heavy toll financially in our lives. Without the money or health insurance to cover the cost of just the diagnostic test the doctor would like, let alone the hundred thousand plus for the treatments they will most likely recommend,
we decided to first pursue the far less expensive natural treatments that have worked for her in the past. It seemed a waste to spend precious dollars on diagnostics confirming what we already know.

We know these are tough times for most everyone and we appreciate any good energy, prayers and love you can send our way. If you feel to assist us by contributing financially, in any amount, that would be extremely helpful and welcome.

Please make financial gifts payable to: Linda Stay
Mail to: 908 Madison Heights Washington, UT 84780

or by credit card through PayPal at: http://www.2toWin.com

Not being accustomed to taking handouts, we’re always looking for win win situations. Here are a couple ideas that may be of value to all of us at this time of year.

About 25 years ago I started performing during the Christmas season as a character called ELFIS, an Elf/Santa mix, singing parody Christmas songs and telling The ELFIS Story. Part of that story and several home made video’s posted at http://www.ElfisLives.com This will give you an idea of what it is. I used to do 100+ performances each December when I lived in Salt Lake City but pretty  much hung up my red underwear when we moved to St. George 8 years ago.

I decided to get get them out again:

1- For everyone:

My brother Joey and his family have re-produced
100 CD’s of my classic ELFIS Lives album to assist us. It includes
23 songs where ELFIS Warps, Twist, and Spins a dose of Reality
into your Favorite Holiday Classics. To anyone making a donation
of $20.00 I will send one or get two for donations of $30.00, while they last.

You can donate online at: http://www.2toWin.com

2- For those of you in or around St. George, UT: If you or
anyone you know has a holiday party planned, know of one or want
to plan one, I’d be honored to entertain at any party you think might
be appropriate. The cost would be whatever donation the attending
guest decide to give. I can do a quick drop in or a full blown 45min
program, day or night, home or business. Kids enjoy ELFIS but the
content is definitely directed at an older audience. It is NOT your
normal Christmas performance.

To check on my availability and to arrange a party performance, call
me directly at: 435-674-0992

I welcome any other ideas.

A friend always,

Steve Stay
435-674-0992