Barrhead family receives incredible support after tragic loss and cancer diagnoses for mother and grandmother.
Then, Sam learned that she has breast cancer. It was another awful blow for the family. Sadly, more bad news followed soon after. Sam’s mom, Ellen McCabe, age 69, got diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Sam said she knew James since she was 14. They started dating back way back in 2003. They had been together for nearly 22 years. They were married for 18 years when he died. James loved his life, and he was always happy.
He worked hard, especially for his daughters. They meant everything to James. He remained brave until the very end. He never showed any fear, Sam explained. They hoped James could get treatment quickly; sadly, he died within seven weeks.
Sam nursed James during those weeks. Shortly after his death, she found her cancer. Now, she faces this challenge while raising two kids. In January, her mom’s diagnosis made things even harder; Ellen is getting treatment now for her cancer.
Ellen is receiving both chemo and immunotherapy. Sam also goes through chemotherapy. She expects to continue until around April. After that, she will take a break for a month, then she will have surgery. Following her recovery, she will have radiation therapy as well.
Sam previously worked as a nurse at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Scotland. Now, she cannot work because of her illness. Ellen created a fundraiser to assist and help Sam pay for bills and expenses.
These expenses include mortgage and travel to the cancer center. Sam stated she is currently on sick leave. She is not getting paid now, but she has applied for financial aid. However, she may not hear back till March or April. Her mom started a fundraiser.
They plan to share the funds. Ellen will use it for transportation and needs too. The fundraiser has raised nearly £4,000 already. It will greatly help the family financially in this trying time.
Stuart Cameron, Sam’s neighbor, donated £600. A worker from the Asda where James worked gave £500. Amanda Green is the manager at Asda. James actually worked for her for about 20 years, and they have been super supportive.
Sam says they appreciate all the support they received. It has felt overwhelming given what they face. People have been amazing and shown great kindness. Barrhead High School has also been amazing.
The girls are struggling emotionally. They are taking things slowly, just day by day. A teacher, Miss Donnelly, is supporting the girls. She is their pastoral teacher, who is trying to help the family a lot right now and making things easier.