When you're a young couple with two beautiful toddlers, the world can look like a pretty amazing place full of fabulous possibilities.

Chances are, the one thing you're not expecting is what happened to this mom and dad.

"My husband was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010," the mom said. "He had a tumor the size of a golf ball removed.

"He was clear for three years and there was no recurrence. Then, this summer, he started having headaches. He had two MRIs and the one they did in August came back good. Two and a half months later he had another tumor and that one was bad."

Within a week of the second diagnosis, her husband underwent emergency brain surgery to remove the growth. The pathology report found Stage 4 brain cancer.

"We met with the oncologist in Coeur d'Alene and she said we would probably need to travel to find a (clinical) trial that would benefit him," the wife said. "She told us we could do chemo here, but it probably wouldn't be beneficial for him in the long run."

This week the husband began chemotherapy. His treatment involves a six-hour drive to Portland, Ore., and monthly hospitalizations while he undergoes chemotherapy there.

"He actually had heart problems this time when we went," his wife said.

Before finding out he had brain cancer, her husband worked in general construction. Between taking care of medical needs, the time involved traveling to Portland and back and raising their two children, both adults are not currently working.

"We hope to be receiving disability shortly, but who knows?" the mom said.

"Our kids are doing well, thankfully. We try not to say too much about their dad's problem so as to not upset them. They're very young."

When asked how she herself was feeling, she laughed.

"I guess you could say I'm stressed, worried and anxious - all the usual stuff. Just trying to keep it all together."

With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for people like this - the jobless, homeless, those who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.

Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County families in need. Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.

Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.

Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 28th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards from local retailers who also generously support the program. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

To give, please send a check to:

Press Christmas for All, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.

Donations can be made securely online at www.christmasforallcda.com

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