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Just a quick update to let you know that Dad is home. He came home Friday mid day and is doing well. Mom is playing nurse and is very keeping very busy! He is still on an IV antibiotic regimen at home to work on clearing up the blood infection. Hopefully, the meds will do their job and he will be able to stay on track and start the next chemo treatment. It is planned to start THIS Thursday, but we won't know for sure until right before then. He meets with Dr. Becdach on Wednesday morning and we will surely have it figured out by then. The doctors at MD Anderson told us that the chemo was to be done every 3 weeks but every 4 weeks was common as well, depending on how the patient recovers from it. So, we have another week to play with if we need too. I hope not though. That cancer needs to be attacked!

The Fundraiser Yardsale was a HUGE success!! Thank you all for the donations and items to sale. It is so amazing to see how friends come out to support one another. It is our job to carry each other's burdens and I can see God working in such an amazing way!

Some of Dad's friends contacted me about setting up a fund to help defray some of the medical expenses until Dad is able to work again. The fund has been set up at Bank Independent. The following letter was mailed out and should contain all information you might need. Again, thank you so much for all of your support, prayers and love. ~Michelle



May 17, 2011


Hello all,

This is a short letter from friends of Ernie Smith to let you know of an opportunity to help him in his fight against cancer. As you know, Ernie has been in a prolonged fight against Stage IV oral cancer. Cancer does not fight fairly, and it has taken a toll not only on his health, but his ability to continue working as a self employed businessman.

Ernie’s family, friends and business associates are banding together to lend support. Expenses for chemotherapy/radiation and ongoing medical expenses continue to mount. There are opportunities for new courses of treatments at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston, TX, but travel and participation costs are high. The effects of his treatment have left him unable to work, so there is no new income coming in.

That’s where you and I can help!

We are working to take the burden off of Ernie so that he can focus on getting better, instead of medical bills. Numerous people have asked for a way to provide monetary donations. An account has been set up at Bank Independent, “The Crossings” branch (The Target Shopping Center branch). Donations can be made in cash or check to “Michelle Puryear/Medical Fund”. Michelle will use the funds to pay for necessities and medical expenses until Ernie is able to work again.

Thank you in advance for your support. For more information, please visit the family website at http://thesmiths-michelle.blogspot.com

Sincerely,
Friends of Ernie Smith