For the last 50 years my father has spent every moment doing for others, never complaining and always being the first one to show up when someone needed help. On May 10th 2024 we received the most devastating news for the kindest man I know, a diagnosis of cancer. By the grace of God we had an early diagnosis and caught it at stage 1. Through weeks of testing and uncertainty he continued to be strongest man in the room. A treatment plan was developed and we were optimistic but then life did what she does best and threw us a curveball. On June 29th 2024 we received a second cancer diagnosis, stage 1 lung cancer. For the first time in my life after my mother passed away I saw my father not be able to put on a strong face and feel defeated, and it broke my heart. With 7 kids and 12 grandkids we depend on him, he already had the weight of the world on his shoulders and my dad was being forced to carry more. We were offered to do an experimental trial with a high success rate. Roughly 10 infusions over the course of 6 months and a lung surgery could help my dad see his grandkids grow up. We got the green light and on Friday June 30th and he traveled 97 miles one way to receive his first treatment. We received a bill for a simple biopsy and even after insurance it still totaled over $7,000. Each infusion before insurance can cost over $40,000 and as anyone who has received a medical bill can tell you, it makes you feel hopeless all over again. A man with an uphill battle also having these medical bills is like expecting him to do it all standing on one leg. We as a family are going to do everything we can to help him through this even if it’s just one step at a time. For anyone out there who hears our story any contribution from thoughts and prayers to pocket change can make all the difference in the world. For anyone feeling generous $5 could be the difference between a good day and a bad day. Help us help this strong man continue to fight.
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