Meet Grant Recipient Willie Young

It started like any wellness check up, when Willie Young’s parents decided to take their son to the hospital after he was complaining about a headache for a few days.

That doctor’s visit became a life-changing moment for the Young family.

“Our son was diagnosed with brain cancer on Feb. 4, 2017,” Willie’s mother, Pleshette, says.

The Young family had little time to digest the news before Willie had to endure two major brain surgeries, just one week apart, on Feb. 7 and Feb. 14, 2017.

He experienced seizures and, at one point, almost died. All the while, the Young family struggled to make ends meet in the wake of this incredibly unexpected financial and emotional crisis.

“We had a difficult time trying to figure out how we were going to get back and fourth from Fort Myers and Miami (for treatment) with no money,” Pleshette says.

Willie couldn’t spare any doctors appointments, especially for MRI and radiation treatments, but the Youngs were at a loss.

“We didn’t know what else to do or where to turn to,” Pleshette says. But then, there was hope.

“Our social worker contacted Amber’s Antibodies, who blessed us with a grant that helped us move to our new place,” Pleshette says. “It helped out with our Christmas and our bills and transportation.”

Willie is still experiencing brain cancer, but, thankfully, with the treatment he is now able to receive, he is doing better.

“We’d like to thank Amber’s Antibodies for everything,” Pleshette says.. “God bless you guys.”

To date, Amber’s Antibodies has donated $348,325 total in grants to 137 Southwest Florida families fighting cancer and $136,750 to cancer research, thanks to the generous support of the community.

Our organization is 100% percent volunteer-based with no overhead, so all proceeds benefit families like the Youngs and scientific research that brings us closer to finding a cure for cancer.

To donate to Amber's Antibodies and help support Southwest Florida families experiencing cancer, click here.