Help for the McCaslins: An Alexandrian Family Facing the Unthinkable
If you are reading this article, it’s likely you already know Alicia McCaslin, or her styling company, Tullebox. Alicia and I have been close friends for years, in fact I think it's decades at this point. I am fortunate that retail brought us together.
When you meet Alicia, you instantly know she is just a good soul. She is genuine, kind and thoughtful; they just don’t make people better. Something you might not know is that she is also super funny and a whole lot of fun. In February, her husband Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma. I’ll save you the trip to WebMD, it’s brain cancer and it’s serious. As her friend, it has been difficult to watch as she has been consumed with fear and worry, and treading new waters navigating choices and decisions none of us ever expects to have to make. Her easy smile and breezy air have often been replaced with the tension of the gravity cancer brings.
I feel like the last 12 months there has been a cloud of sadness over Alexandria as so many people we know have had to face family crises in the extreme; it just doesn’t seem to end. My husband says it’s our age or stage in life. But it is difficult to watch as the heaviness of the challenges take over the people you love.
It’s a mood that’s opposite the one we all normally associate with Alicia. We all turn to her for advice on what to wear, and she’s an expert at helping women feel good about themselves and build confidence. Well, now it is our turn to help Alicia. And the best thing we can do is help cushion the financial strain she faces.
Both Mark and Alicia are self-employed and when an illness like this takes over your home, it makes it difficult for anyone to work. The demands are nearly full-time, both physically and emotionally for both the patient and caregiver. When you are self-employed it’s also likely not to possess the greatest health insurance. The problem is, you don’t realize how bad an insurance product is until you have to use it; this has been the case for Alicia. Bills that we would all assume would be covered when dealing with something like Stage 4 Glioblastoma simply are not. And if you have ever had someone close to you with cancer, you also know that care goes beyond the hospital and doctor’s office. Unforeseen expenses like hotel rooms and travel expenses pile up as you seek out the best care possible, for the worst situation.
Given that many people first met Alicia around the stores, several folks have reached out to ask how they can help. This Go Fund Me page is how we can all help. The goal for this fundraiser is $150,000; their need is great. Every donation helps regardless of the amount. Life can take unexpected turns and we all need to help each other out. Give impulsively--and please forward the link to others who either know the McCaslins or can empathize with what they are experiencing.
