A Letter From Shelly and Emily About Craig's Grant

Craig was diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma on July 15, 1998 following an exploratory surgery. The doctors, unfamiliar with this terminal disease, gave a prognosis of only six months. The emotions we felt that day are truly inexplicable, yet one can imagine the overwhelming hopelessness and fear that consumed our minds and our hearts. Our lives came to a screeching halt, as our aspirations as individuals and more importantly as a family were suddenly uncertain. Despite his grim outlook, Craig, with the help of family and friends, sought trial treatment in New York. Forty one trips later, we still face more and more complications every day. Craig has relapsed three times, has endured 25 chemotherapy treatments, 40 radiation treatments and 10+ surgeries. Despite the toll that the battle for his life has taken, Craig remains strong, heroic and a true inspiration to his family, friends and fellow patients.

“It is really hard to watch your dad, your inspiration and your role model, suffer day in and day out. I was only 12 when my dad was diagnosed and every day I fear for the worst but hope for the best. Sometimes I wish I could close my eyes and everything would go away, but when I open them I see all the scars, the medication and the frail figure of my father…my hero. Although this nightmare will never go away, I cherish every day and pray that no family has to endure the pain and tears we have.” - Emily

"Watching Craig over the years has taught me so many things.  It has taught me about the value of relationships, the strength of faith and most importantly the power of love.  Taking care of him, especially this past summer, has been emotionally and physically the hardest thing I have ever had to endure.  It is very hard to see someone you love so much suffer pain both bodily and mentally.   I have gained strength that I never thought I had throughout this experience.  Craig is my soul mate, my best friend and my inspiration." - Shelly

After a frightening summer in which Craig was given 72 hours to live following a complicated surgery, we are still holding onto hope, as he once again beat the odds. Craig is gaining strength and willpower as he heads to New York again for chemotherapy. Our support group remains an essential part of our lives and we hope your support will help other patients like Craig. With your donation, in Craig’s honor, we hope to raise enough money to finance a research grant to aid in preventing the devastation and suffering caused to Mesothelioma patients and families alike.  Please feel free to pass this letter along, as it will raise both educational and financial support for our cause.  We appreciate your time and support.

Praying for a cure and always believing,

Shelly and Emily Kozicki

BELIEVING…..…

Please join us in our mission to support a research grant for Mesothelioma, with the hopes of finding a cure for this life-ending disease. By making a donation to the Meso Foundation, you can greatly assist us in our cause. Your donation will directly fund medical research and educational opportunities for patients, families and doctors.

The Meso Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that is dedicated to eradicating Mesothelioma through research funding, information and treatment options, as well as advocacy. We highly encourage you to learn more about Mesothelioma and about the Meso Foundations mission by visiting www.marf.org. Additionally, you can obtain a copy of their most recent annual financial report at www.curemeso.org

Donations are deductible for Federal income tax purposes provided by law.

Thank you so much for your generous donation and for your activism in helping us find a cure for Mesothelioma.