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By Gwen Aviles
A lesbian couple said they received a homophobic message after a family member created an online fundraiser to lighten the exorbitant costs of their daughter's cancer treatments.
Tiffany and Albree Shaffer of Cincinnati were informed on New Year's day that their 18-month-old daughter Callie had been diagnosed with advanced neuroblastoma, a type of cancer developing from immature nerve cells. A week later, the couple was informed that Callie was in phase 4 and needed 18 months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
"It's very hard for Callie," Albree Shaffer told Nree News on Tuesday. "We take it day by day."
Shortly after this heartbreaking news was passed on to their families, Tiffany Shaffer's sister, Lorrie Teate, created an online fundraiser to raise funds for Callie's medical bills.
"She will need 18 months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant and a future surgery to remove the tumor once it has been reduced," Teate wrote. on a GoFundMe page. "What I'm asking for is that you're helping me lighten the financial burden of these extraordinary people."
After the child was diagnosed, Albree Shaffer stated that she had to stop working at three jobs so that she could stay with Callie at Cincinnati Children's Hospital while Tiffany Shaffer was working and taking care of their other child. Tyler, 7 years old and autistic.
"We probably would have had to move without GoFundMe money because of the rent, and we also have two car payments," said Albree Shaffer. "It would have been so stressful to move now."
Although women received support from family, friends and strangers, they said not everyone responded generously to their situation. The couple said that a woman named Bren Marie had sent them a homophobic message on Facebook after consulting their fundraising page.
"My prayers for Callie. I was going to give her $ 7600.00 but I discovered that her parents were lesbians. I've chosen to donate to St. Jude for this reason, "said a screenshot of the message, which Tiffany Shaffer shared in a public message on Facebook.
Bren Marie, who appears to have changed her name on the site or removed her Facebook account since the incident, added, "Sorry, I'm still going to pray for her, but it's maybe a way to God to get your attention, she needs a mom and a dad, not two moms.
Albree Shaffer stated that she and Tiffany Shaffer were "shocked and disgusted" by the comment, but they did not respond to the offending message.
"We tried not to get angry but it was difficult," said Albree Shaffer. "I could not believe she contacted us directly to tell us. She just could not donate and ignore the page. "
The comment reminded the couple that homophobia still persisted, but they also recalled that it was a reminder of the kindness of aliens and allies – many of whom were forced to donate after hearing the commentary of Bren Marie.
"My wife and I are giving a little to replace the undelivered gift," Linda and Carol Davis-Wolther wrote on the GoFundMe page. "We lesbians have had many children and we know the discrimination that still exists. We will also pray for Callie and her mothers. "
Duane Smith, another donor, said Bren Marie's comment did not reflect the beliefs of all religious. "I donated because I'm a Christian and I believe God loves us all," he wrote.
Albree Shaffer said that she and Tiffany Shaffer were grateful for the love, support and prayers while Callie continued her fight.
"It's overwhelming in a good way. If there is one lesson to be learned, it is that we must continue to defend the interests of our children, "said Albree Shaffer. "It's all about Callie."
The fundraising page created for the Shaffers had raised nearly $ 80,000 Wednesday morning.
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