I just found out that the 30 year old husband of a very old, close friend has lung cancer. Best case scenerio - he may have a 4% chance of survival. Realistically, it has already spread from the lungs to his lymphnodes, and he will most likely be dead within 4 months.

They have 4 children, one who is Autistic... I cannot even believe that this is happening to them.

She is one of the strongest, most amazing people I have ever known. She got pregnant when she was 18, her boyfriend was a loser drug addict. She fought like hell to make things right, she stood by him when we all said to leave him. They got married. Amazingly, he changed. He quit the drugs & drinking, he got a job, a life, and became a good husband and father. They had a second child, a son, and then twin girls, just before thier son was diagnosed with Autism.

Instead of getting a job and institutionalizing her son, as the doctors advised, she stayed home and studied every aspect of Autism, created a special program of treatment for him, working with him and special teachers every day for the past 5 years. She has even become a renouned speaker at many Autisim related seminars and events.

They finally bought a nice home last year. He has no life insurance. She has been a stay at home mom, and has not worked in 10 years.

Now, her husband is going to die. She is going to be a 30 year old widow of 4 children aged 6 - 11, one with very special needs.

My heart is breaking for her! I cannot even begin to understand what she must be going through. I haven\'t spoken to her yet, I have only gotten updates through friends. I know that every moment they have left together is precious... So, I am just writing her a letter to let her know how much I care, and that I am here for her.

I am going to plan a fundraiser for her and her kids. Maybe at least then money wont be a something they have to worry about once he is too sick to work... And, hopefully, we can raise enough money, so that she and the kids will not lose thier home if he dies.

How very sad indeed.

Wow, I will keep them in my prayers.

It\'s so good of you to take an active role in helping her.