Family Life and Friendship Network

My parents, my children, Julie and I, and other friends and family were on KSL today to show the world that at times of trial and need, friends and family can still make amazing things happen. Here's what Alex Cabrero said:

Facebook friends help grant ill woman's wish

May 1st, 2009 @ 10:35pm
By Alex Cabrero

WEST VALLEY CITY -- Friends are pitching in to do a lot of yard work at a family's home in West Valley City. The project has special meaning because the woman who lives there wanted a pretty place to spend her last few days.

These are precious times for Brandon and Julie Stout, their parents and their four children. Then again, for them, time is everything.

Two years ago, doctors discovered Julie, 36, had a brain tumor. They tried removing it and aggressively treated her.

"That did work for a while," Brandon said. "They kept her with us for another couple of years, and we're happy that we got that."

But now, there's really nothing else doctors can do. Julie has become too sick.

"They're saying Julie has days or weeks left to be with us," Brandon said.

Not knowing what else to do, the family decided to enjoy these final days together. They've been to Zion and Arches national parks, visited the Utah Shakespearean Festival, and always make time for each other.

"We have regular family home evenings. We spend time outdoors when we can," Brandon explained.

But when Brandon recently lost his job, the medical bills kept coming and there wasn't much money to do anything else. So, he got on Facebook and told his family's story.

Some long-lost friends heard about it and got involved.

Family friend Doug Thomas said, "You find out about somebody who has a need and you want to do something to help."

Julie always wanted a nice yard. Their friends are taking care of that, allowing Julie and Brandon -- who met in junior high school -- to spend these final precious moments together.

Friends have raised enough money to send the family to Disneyland, if there's time. Julie always wanted to go there with her children. Friends will spend all day Saturday fixing up the yard. They say it's the least they can do.

The original article is available on the KSL website.