Barefoot Investor responds to heartbreaking plea for help from mom diagnosed with aggressive cancer: Here’s what he told them to do immediately
- Mother of three diagnosed with breast cancer
- Doctors noticed a lump as she prepared to give birth
- She emailed Barefoot Investor begging for advice
- He inquired about her super and working conditions
Finance guru Scott Pape has shared advice he gave to a “terrified” mother of three who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.
Kate, 31, who lives in a mining town in Western Australia, sought help after receiving a terrifying diagnosis as she prepared to give birth to her third child.
She and her husband had made the 900-mile journey to a town called Bunbury when doctors discovered a worrying lump on her chest.
The lump turned out to be an aggressive form of breast cancer, with doctors advising Kate to go into labor the following day so she could begin treatment.
She soon realized that her husband, a carpenter, would soon be taking care of a woman with cancer, a newborn, and their other young children, ages two and four.
Overwhelmed, she emailed the author of Barefoot Investor for advice.
Finance guru Scott Pape (pictured) has revealed the financial advice he gave to a ‘terrified’ mother of three who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive cancer
Mr. Pape (pictured with his wife Liz) assured the young mother that she was not alone and that the world is full of kind and generous people with whom he would try to connect her
He quickly sprang into action and called Kate.
Through tears, the young mother said she had no family to help and was “totally overwhelmed” by what lay ahead.
Mr. Pape assured her that she was not alone and that the world is full of kind and generous people with whom he would try to connect her.
His first call was to the global head of media at BHP, the mining company the couple works for remotely, to see what they could do.
They offered guidance, care leave and flexible working arrangements.
Mr. Pape then spoke to Kate’s private health fund.
He asked for a forecast of the couple’s out-of-pocket expenses for the next 12 months so they could better manage their spending.
Finally, the finance guru cashed in a few favors with several attorneys he knows.
He asked them to help Kate research any total and permanent disability (TPD) benefits she might claim through her retirement.
Even Mr. Pape’s children did what they could to help Kate after learning of her harrowing ordeal.
Even Mr. Pape’s children did what they could to help Kate after learning about Kate’s harrowing ordeal
“The kids listened, pulled out their Give jars, and collectively donated $12.80 to their GoFundMe page,” he said.
“Every bit of kindness helps.”
Mr Pape also shared a message from Kate as she begins cancer treatment.
“I am a fit 31-year-old mother of three beautiful children,” she said.
“There is no history of breast cancer in my family. I didn’t expect this to happen to me and I don’t want it to happen to you either. So please check your breasts.’