My name is Amanda Ferguson.  For the last seven years I have had the pleasure to be mentored by and work hand in hand with Ryszard Jurkiewicz at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  As you may have heard, Ryszard and his wife Cindy have fallen on hard time recently and need our love, prayers and support.  

Last year, Cindy was diagnosed with ALS.  As you can imagine this has weighed heavy on Ryszard's heart.  He has continued to work hard making sure he is able to continue to care and support for Cindy during her battle with this disease.  

In December, Ryszard began his own battle.  He became ill and began looking for answers.  He found out that he has damage to his pancreas and will be on medication for the rest of his life for this.  He has been for countless tests over the past seven months.  

The doctors have found a tumor and confirmed that Ryszard has cancer.  He was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago and has been in critical care since.  The immediate concern has been bleeding that the doctors have been trying to get under control.  They have to get the bleeding stopped before they can proceed with treatment.   

At first diagnosis, we were being told the tumor is inoperable, but is treatable once the bleeding is controlled.  The good news is they believe this to be a type of cancer that is slow growing.  Unfortunately it has spread to his lymphnodes.  

As of this morning, the doctors do believe they now have the bleeding under control!  They have found a surgeon in New Orleans who may be able to operate to attempt to remove the tumor from his stomach, but are unsure at this time.  I will keep you updated as I have information from the family and the doctors.

I ask that you all please send your prayers to both Ryszard and Cindy along with thier family.  They will need the support of us as a community to fight the battles ahead of them.  I have started this page, so that we can raise money to take care of their regular bills (mortgage, car payments, utilities, insurance, etc.) so that they can concentrate on their health and getting better.  Any left over funds will be needed for their medical bills.  All proceeds will be going straight to Ryszard and Cindy so that they can pay their bills while they are unable to work.  Phyllis "Cindy" Jurkiewicz, Ryszard's wife has been setup as the beneficiary so that all funds can be deposited to them directly.

Ryszard has been like a father to me and many others at Sandestin.  He has spent his years here as the Beach Club Manager, Food and Beverage Director and the General Manager of Clubs for Burnt Pine and Beach Club.  Ryszard has always been there for us all.  He has been at the center of our birthday parties, bridal showers, wedding days, holiday celebrations, family vacations, christenings and countless parties making sure we were taken care of had not a care in the world.  Now it is our time to help take care of him. 

I thank you in advance on behalf of Ryszard and Cindy for any donations you are able to make to help ease the burden on this amazing family.  God bless and thank you for the support!