Santiam Canyon (OR) Communications Dispatcher in Need of Help

Dear 911 Cares:

We have a wonderful co-worker in need of help.

Jennifer Funrue has been a Dispatcher for Santiam Canyon Communications in Stayton, OR for almost 5 years. Her biggest dream in life was to be a mother. That dream came true in March 2010 when she became pregnant with twins. Sadly, over half way into her pregnancy, it was discovered that one twin was receiving more nourishment than the other. Without hesitation, she and her husband Chuck, a Paramedic with Santiam Memorial Hospital in Stayton, flew to San Francisco so the twins could undergo a twin to twin transfusion in order to save them. After many painful tests and procedures, it was discovered one twin was still not receiving enough nourishment. Jenn and Chuck had to make the most painful decision, sacrifice one twin to save the other.

With the pain behind them, they could now look forward to the happy event on the horizon. Things did not transpire as was predicted. Five weeks before Jenn’s due date, it was discovered the remaining fetus had a mass in his abdomen. Jenn was rushed to Portland, OR by ambulance for an emergency C section and Carter was born. It was discovered the mass was a tumor on Carter’s liver. After many anxious days, the mass was determined to be cancerous. The team of doctors and nurses at Oregon Health Sciences University prepared little 5lb 1oz Carter for chemotherapy in hopes of shrinking the cancerous mass. Carter would be the smallest patient at the University to ever undergo such a procedure. Half way through the month of chemo, Carter had a setback. His intestines are “twisted” and are possibly dying. He is too small for surgery. With many antibiotics and only iv nourishment, the doctors are hoping this will help his intestines heal. Chemo is now halted. Once chemo can be resumed, it is hoped the mass will shrink enough and surgery can be performed. If the mass does not shrink in the correct manner, Carter will have to travel to San Francisco for a liver transplant with either Jenn or Chuck as the partial liver donor.

Needless to say, Jenn and Chuck have faced emotional and financial hardships. We are hoping to raise $10,000 to cover the costs not covered by insurance and the expense of living away from home as their sick leave banks will soon be depleted. Our small center does not qualify for FMLA or the Oregon Family Act. Please see it in your hearts to donate to the Funrue Family Medical Fund at any US Bank or specifically the Stayton Oregon Branch at 480 N 3rd St , Stayton, OR 97383 .

Contact Deb Moreno at Santiam Canyon Communications, 911 Jetters Way, Stayton Or, 97383 email debram@santiam911.org or 503-851-8615