Charity Raising Funds for Family Struggling with Health and Financial Devastation

Help AAW Raise Funds for the Puck Family
Online Tax Deductible Contributions Accepted

American Angel Works (AAW) began working with a family this summer, that we soon realized would bring transformation to our own lives. An overwhelmed, sick and soon-to-be single mother came to us for assistance for her three children, who are also very sick. Yet among all of them, a most incredible and curative spirit is present. It is impossible to spend time with this family and not be changed by the experience.

The Pucks, whose last name has been changed for privacy, is a remarkable family that demonstrates unwavering strength despite the quandaries that challenges each of them daily. Childhood cancer, Cerebral palsy, inoperable tumors, financial turmoil, and paternal abandonment are just a few of the difficulties that they are trying to surmount.

A mother of three, Tammy is a mild mannered and petite woman; but beneath this surface - towers a titanium giant battling sickness and hardship with every breath. Tammy has a debilitating nerve disease known as Neurofibromatosis (NF1). It causes multiple tumors of the nerves and skin which can be extremely painful. Associated problems include head enlargement, short body stature, seizures, and spine curvature Scoliosis). When NF1 tumors locate in problematic areas of the body (ear, eye, spinal cord, brain stem, brain,), the mass of the tumor can cause serious complications. Additionally, NF1 tumors are known to transform into serious malignant cancers called peripheral nerve sheath tumors. NF1 is a genetically-inherited condition that has been passed on to all three of Tammy's children.

Meet Connor, the youngest, yet mightiest! On good days, he’s a ham who loves a good laugh. His pain is well hidden behind his smile, his bravery beyond his years. Connor suffers from Cerebral palsy, an inability to adequately coordinate his muscles, movements and motor skills. He must utilize a wheelchair or walker for productive mobility. Connor has two rods fused to his spine and requires expansion surgery every six months as he grows; number 12 is scheduled for Dec 4th. Connor currently has two NF1 tumors which are inoperable; a mass in his abdomen that has increased in size and caused alarm, and a mass on his spine which is under close observation. To divert his attention to fun things, Connor's loves NASCAR, Harley Davidson motorcycles and music. Connor attends elementary school in Dacula and will celebrate his 9th birthday in September.

Austin, an attentive older brother, is cheerful, bright and excited about his first year of middle school in the Grayson district. Austin's NF1 has triggered a related condition called Optic Glioma which has caused a tumor behind each eye. Although these tumors are serious and can result in progressive blindness and proptosis, there are high cure rates and everyone is optimistic for the best possible outcome. Like most boys his age, Austin loves video games, board games, music and of course, camouflage. Austin is the "main man" of the house and does his best to help mom take care of things.

Big sister Sarah is all that, and even more. So very grateful to be starting tenth grade this year in the Grayson district, Sarah recently learned that she is in remission from Astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer that also impacts the brain stem in children. Sarah is equipped with a VP shunt that drains excess fluid from her brain and continues to adhere to a strict regime of medications. Sarah has a tumor near her spine that has raised new concerns regarding the abnormal curvature. She will learn more about her course of treatment for this very soon. Sarah enjoys many arts and crafts, and like any 15 year old princess, loves cosmetics, perfume and pedicures.

Beyond the heartbreak of excessive bad health, challenges for this family continue to hit home as the children's father has abandoned his paternal responsibilities and economic obligations. Distressed further by maltreatment and an informal separation, "normality" has become insufferable and more difficult each day for Tammy to provide for the children. 

To learn of their reality is to be bewildered by their smiles when you meet them. To share fellowship with them is to witness genuine kindness, and grace in its truest form. And if ever there is to be a medal for enduring the agony of helplessness while your children suffer through the pain of disease, there is an honoree at the helm of this family.

So that Tammy, Connor, Austin and Sarah can begin a plight toward a renewed start in life, AAW is commencing an effort to raise funds and seek in-kind services for several areas of need that include:

*Funds for dental care for Tammy who has a gum infection 
*Funds/in-kind services for auto repairs for the family van
*Funds/in-kind services for attorney to begin divorce process
*Funds for hospital meals during overnight stays
*Funds for household utilities/repairs/general assistance

**FUNDS TO ASSIST WITH A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR AUSTIN & CONNOR**
Austin's birthday was last week and he wasn't able to have a party. Connor's birthday is in September and Tammy isn't able to afford a party or birthday gifts. AAW would like very much to host a double-brother birthday party for them!

Tax deductible contributions of any size are helpful and truly appreciated.

Donations can be easily submitted on our website through PayPal at: www.americanangelworks.org .

Please reference "PUCK", in the PayPal comments section and you will receive a receipt immediately after you complete your transaction.

Contributions may also be mailed to:
AAW - Attn: Puck
P.O. Box 492291
Lawrenceville, GA 30049

American Angel Works, Inc. (AAW) is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that provides guidance, support, information, and qualified fiscal grants to eligible individuals and families who need temporary assistance with navigating the logistics of a life crisis.

For additional information or questions, please contact Michelle Couch at telephone number 1-800-944-0361 or you may email at: michelle.couch@americanangelworks.org.

Tammy Puck came to AAW because of yet another life-altering misfortune; she is now facing the encumbrance of caring for three very sick children as a single mother who is financially challenged and hasn't been employed in over 10 years. Please join AAW in helping the Puck family in their journey to building a new life.