This year has been one of the toughest we've ever faced. Peter has been fighting B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia for two years, and while we’re finally nearing the end of his treatment, it has been a grueling journey. The emotional, physical, and financial toll on our family has been overwhelming.
Peter receives his treatment at MUSC, which is about an hour's drive from our home without traffic. The constant trips to the hospital — from urgent visits to the ER when he’s sick or experiencing complications, to weekly clinic visits and the frequent hospitalizations — have left us struggling to keep up with the cost of gas and maintenance for our aging minivan.
I've had to take a lot of time off work to care for Peter, both at home and by his side during his hospital stays. My husband has also missed significant time at work, taking care of our other three children, Natalie, William, and Gabriel, whenever I’m at the hospital. He’s had to pass on career opportunities, including promotions, because of his commitment to our family.
On top of that, there are many medical expenses that insurance doesn't cover, along with the rising cost of gas and food. It's stretched our budget to the limit. Peter’s immune system is so compromised that he’s had to miss out on many of the experiences other kids take for granted — playdates, birthday parties, eating out at restaurants, going to movies, or enjoying amusement parks. These small joys have been taken from our children, and it breaks my heart to see all they’ve had to give up.
But even with everything they’ve missed, our kids have been incredibly loving, kind, and supportive of Peter. They show him so much compassion, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
This Christmas, we desperately wish we could give our kids the presents they truly deserve, but it simply isn’t possible without help. That’s why it’s such an overwhelming blessing to know that there will be gifts under the tree for them because of your incredible generosity. We can’t thank you enough for bringing a little Christmas joy into our lives during this challenging time.
Our hope — and our dream — is that one day we can pay this kindness forward and be the family that helps another in need, just like you’ve helped us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for blessing our family this holiday season. Your love and support mean more to us than words can express.
After we receive the Durst story, the Durst family lost their husband Will Durst. Will was on his way to pick up a prescription for Peter and had a car accident and passed way.
Here's the news story: https://abcnews4.com/news/local/last-words-of-love-fathers-final-moments-touch-a-town-in-mourning-wciv-abc-news-4-charleston-gofundme-leukemia-will-durst-family