I think I should start off by saying that this post deals with some tough subject matter. In the photo below is my friend Kaz, and for the last couple of years he’s been battling brain cancer. On December 20th he had his 5th operation, and the results came back that the tumor has become more aggressive and has reached a point that is too deep in the brain to operate on. The cancer is terminal.
I took this portrait of Kaz yesterday after spending some time photographing him with his wife and 18 month old daughter. It’s an indescribable thing to deal with, I’ve sat here for a long time trying to put it into writing, and I simply can’t. All any of us can do is help out where its needed, and for anyone interested there is a fundraiser being held in Saskatoon on January 22, 2011 at the Sutherland Bar where all of the proceeds will be going towards an education fund for his daughter as well as making it possible for his wife to take the time off work so they can spend the time they have left together as a family. A big thank you to everyone who can do anything to help.
:: GET INFO ON THE FUNDRAISER BY CLICKING HERE ::
I’ve had a few requests from people who can’t make it to the fundraiser to set up a way that they can help with a donation, so if you’d like to donate you can do so by clicking on the Donate button below. 100% of the donated funds will be sent Kaz and his family.
Willow Support - Nathan,
This post is so heart felt..you are a true friend for dong this our prayers & thoughts go out to you and your friends. Everyone deserves a chance to spent as much time with loved ones as our time on this earth is limited..
C.
Pamela - I just wanted to say…
I know Kaz from elementary school,
he was so happy & friendly.
I am so sad to see this photo,
& devastated for his wife & child who is the same age as mine.
I will do my best to get to the fundraiser.
Thank you for sharing this. Prayers.
Brian - …I have known both Kaz n Rae for years!! I have had the privilege of working with Kaz.Played ball with and against both of them.This is the most saddest and difficult thing for any 3 people to endure.Rae n Kaz have faced it everyday–yet they come out smiling,holding their heads high,never showing their pain. I am blessed to say they are my friends!! My thoughts and prayers.
Michelle - Kaz is my cousin and my “dear friend” along with his wife Rae and daughter Sloan. I have watched them battle with this terrible disease and Kaz has always remained a strong survivor. Kaz has always been an amazing person full of good times,laughs and love and when he met Rae he embraced life to the fullest. Now they share the most perfect gift togethor, a beautiful daughter who reminds me so much of Kaz every time I see her.The news they have been given is unlike what many of us can even comprehend, but there love for each other and for Sloan continues to pull them through each and every day. I am so thankful to see all the support and love they are receiving,Kaz has given us something……each day matters…….
carolyn - To be Kaz right now I cannot imagine. We think that we never have enough time for anything; we’re all rushed and scheduled to the max. We all complain and feel sorry for ourselves over things that usually are minimal and petty. Imagine where we would be at if we were in Kaz and his family’s shoes right now – living for every minute. Enjoying every second and appreciating every moment. We all have a timeline and we don’t know when it’s coming. Live your life, love deeply and appreciate what you have. My heart goes out to Kaz and his family.
Brock - Nathan, I cant thank you enough for posting this for my brother, your talents are huge and your heart is even bigger.
Also a quick note to everyone that Kaz’s fundraiser has moved to and is confirmed for January 22nd, still at the Sutherland bar in Saskatoon, thanks.
Kaz’s lil bro…
Steven Koszman - Thank You
Laurie - Words cannot express how we feel about Kaz.He is my oldest son’s friend(they graduated together).I feel very blessed that Kaz,Raelynn and their little “Sweetie”Sloan came to visit us on January 2nd,With all they are going through right now they still had the time to stop in for a visit.How cool is that? Thank-you for that it is something I will never forget.Our Prayers to you and your family.Stop in anytime.x0x0x0
Oliver Eaton - I would like to say my thoughts and prayers for Kaz. I always remember being at camp with him. We shared some of the same thoughts. Kaz seemed to have a good time talking to me. He was a very friendly man.
I send all my prayers to Wendy, Brock, Rae, Sloan and Keeley as well as Kaz.
Love
Ollie.
Digital Coffee With Nathan Elson | WP-Testing - [...] CC: I noticed you have a post up on your blog about your friend Kaz. What can Capture Cafe readers do to help out? [...]
jocelyn - oh my goodness. small world. i know kaz from back home. he lived in our town with his bro brock for couple years.
such a hard time in their lives, but knowing him very little he seems as tho he’s tough as nails!! all the best to him and his family!