Camden County Family Seeks Help in Battle Against Cancer

A Camden County family is asking for help with its growing debt after it has been hit with several tragedies, including the woman’s battle for her life against cancer.

In January of 2013, Maryellen Scharlach, a mother of three from Voorhees, was diagnosed with stage 4 MultiformeGlioblastoma—a rapidly growing form of brain cancer with a very poor prognosis.

While a team of doctors was able to remove 80% of the massive tumor, the malignancy of this particular cancer made it extremely likely that it would grow back.

She underwent radiation and chemo therapies, but the cancer came back full force just two weeks after the family purchased their first home for their growing family in September of 2015.

Doctors performed a riskier procedure to save her, but side effects of the procedure included substantial memory loss and the loss of her peripheral vision.

Her husband Mike was then diagnosed with Cushing's disease in January of this year, one week before he was laid off from his job as a program manager.

He was hospitalized with a staph infection and nearly lost his leg.

The following month, Maryellen Scharlach was rushed to the hospital via helicopter for sudden brain swelling.

Doctors performed yet another surgery to insert a fluid retention brain shunt. Along with their eldest son's debilitating allergies, the Scharlach's medical bills skyrocketed.

Cobra Coverage from Mike's former employer helped, however the family still owes more than $2000 for health insurance each month. Cobra will only offer assistance for the duration of one year.

The family began a gofundme account under the name “Help the Scharlach’s Trump Cancer.” As of Monday morning, the campaign raised $35,553 of the family’s $150,000 goal.

To donate, visit gofundme.com.

The attached image of the Scharlach Family was posted on the “Help the Scharlach’s Trump Cancer” GoFundMe page.