04/24/2023
On behalf of Dru:
On behalf of Dru:
Hello beautiful community,
We have an update on Dru that is admittedly very difficult to write.
Dru’s son Blair just called me from the hospice wing of the hospital in Great Falls. It's very hard to make actual time estimates, but Dru’s condition has quickly worsened and Blair's feeling is that she may only have a very short time left.
At the end of March, Dru found out that her cancer had spread to her liver, and she also suffered a major fall that caused a compression fracture in her spine, which was creating excruciating pain. A plan was in place to begin chemo last week, but she was too sick to go. On Tuesday, the hospital sent a non-emergency ambulance to pick her up because she could not get into her friend’s car.
She checked into the hospital on Tuesday and on Thursday was put into hospice. She is now at Benefis Peace Hospice House in Great Falls.
This has all happened so fast. It’s shocking and devastating to those who love Dru, but the circle of support around her is really beautiful and is deep in reverence and kindness as they navigate. They’re relieved that she is in a safe place, for it was evident that she needs 24-hour care now.
Blair arrived last night to be with his mother. Her friends visited yesterday to see her and be with her. Because she is in so much pain, she is highly medicated, though we know Dru is in there, enjoying the visits.
HOW TO HELP:
1. Financial Help - Her medicare insurance covers hospice services, but it doesn’t cover the day rate to be there. We are asking for $5,000 to help Blair cover this cost and to fulfill Dru’s post-life wish of cremation.
2. Cat Adoption - Dru has 3 amazing Medicine Cats: George, Jake, and Maeve (see pictures). They are very important to Dru and to those who know her. These beautiful beings have been an integral part of her healing practice, and we believe they are between 8-11 years old. They’ve lived mostly indoors but do long to be outside, so perhaps at a ranch or farm where they can remain together. All those who know these cats dearly love them. We are searching for a wonderful home for them.
3. Chinese Herb Donation - We also would like to connect with Acupuncturists who work with herbs to see if they are interested in Dru's extensive Chinese herb collection.
Please add Dru to your prayers and spread her story through email and Facebook, to friends who may be interested in helping in any of the ways above. Every bit of positive energy helps and we believe in the power of collective intentions and networking.
Reach out to Jen Daly if you or someone you know are interested in the cats or the herbs. GoFundMe doesn't allow us to post phone numbers or emails, so direct message if you don't know Jen's info!
Peace Hospice
Dru Whelan Rm 14
1101 26th Ave South
Great Falls MT 59405
From our hearts, THANK YOU!
https://gofund.me/ae7c928a
