Chad and Melissa's story
Hi. My name is Chad and I have cancer.
In March 2016, I was diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer at the old age of 44.
I was terrified. Terrified about the unknown of life, death, and potential financial disaster often associated with terminal disease treatment. I knew our healthcare plan was pretty good, but there are always limits.
We persevered and since my initial diagnosis I have undergone some vicious chemotherapy, radiation, and an esophogectomy at Duke Health. Believe me when I say that having your esophagus removed and part of your stomach is NOT as glorious as it sounds.
As a Department of the Navy Federal Employee my local Human Resources (HR) shop took care of everything and I was receiving leave donations within days. My wife Melissa, a Department of the Air Force Federal Employee, had a slightly more difficult time. It took some time, but eventually she was able to receive Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP) donations to support and care for me.
The treatment was rough but with the full support of our employers we were able to face this disease together. FMLA and VLTP (and our extremely generous coworkers) provided us with the breathing room we needed to focus on fighting the cancer without fear of losing our jobs. As treatment progressed for me, Melissa was asked by many of our friends to set up a GoFundMe to allow others to contribute to our cause. The GoFundMe was very successful but it got me thinking about the process for leave donation. Although successful for me, Melissa was unable to reach as many caring people as I was and she took a significant amount of leave without pay (LWOP) to the detriment of our finances.
As I continue rehabilitation I can't help but think of the generosity and understanding of the FED workforce. Without the support of both of our DOD organizations, I don't believe I would be here today. Many underestimate the amount of TIME they need to recover and return to work long before they should. But they often do not have a choice.
The goal of The Vititoe Foundation is to focus entirely on FED employees and their families. To provide support to those blindsided by something as traumatic as I have experienced. Crowdfunding for TIME is a new concept which I’m hopeful can help others as much as these wonderful programs have helped me.
Sincerely,
Chad E. Vititoe, The Vititoe Foundation