Marilyn and Rex Blank and Family

            Within one (1) year:  their beloved son, Josh, collapsed and died suddenly, just one month after his 17^th birthday; Rex broke 2 bones in his back and is now unable to work at his pressure washing business like he did; and, after 5 months of being mis-diagnosed with migraines, Marilyn was finally diagnosed with an extremely aggressive and rare type of cancer of the nose.  Her case is only 1 of 4 documented.  The illness caused Marilyn close the daycare center she’d had for 17 years.

            Marilyn’s cancer metastasized to the bones in her face.  Chemotherapy was not an option so immediate surgery totally removed her nose and nasal bones and partially removed part of her cheek bones.  After the surgery, she began more than 6 weeks of radiation treatments, which resulted in burning her eyes, so that her vision is now very limited.

            She still needs to undergo 6 - 10 surgeries on her face to reconstruct her features.  This will take up to one year.  Her first phase of surgery began in 2007, but resulted in the loss of the use of one hand due to removal of some of its tissue and veins used in rebuilding her nose and face.   

            The Blank family has been through more in the past year than many people endure in a lifetime, and it has all taken a toll, both mentally and financially.  Rex and Marilyn struggle, physically and emotionally, each day to get through their tasks, to take care of their 2 young children (ages 5 and 6) and to try to keep their home and family together. 

            The Blank Family Fund has been established with the Patty Pollatos Foundation, Inc.   Through the kindness and generosity of friends, family and strangers, we are hoping to be able to provide financial assistance to them, along with some peace of mind and strength while they mend and heal from this devastating disease.