I BELIEVE IN BIRCH

5 centimeters. That’s all it takes to change a life. Birch Spencer was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer at the age of 23. His tumor was 5 centimeters in size and growing fast. On March 31, 2014 Birch had his first brain surgery. 6 days later a second surgery. 4 more surgeries followed that. He started radiation and chemotherapy. His doctors gave him 1 year to live. That was 2 years and 6 months ago. Birch has taken advantage of that time and lived a life of happiness and adventure. He fell in love with and married his forever sweetheart Erica. He worked full-time, passionately serving and teaching refugees in his community. He dedicated time to studying and developing his skills as an ESL teacher, eventually getting TESOL certified. He started doing crossfit and worked endlessly to be as healthy as he could, always hoping that his cancer was gone for good.

Anyone who knows Birch has probably arm-wrestled him. Back in the day he even wrestled entire rooms of people. This smart, kind-hearted man, full of charm and humor brightens up any room and can without fail, bring a smile to any face. It is this resilient and strong man who once again found out that his tumor is growing. In August, Birch learned that his cancer had returned and doubled in size. His cancer may be persistent, but our love for him is stronger.

Any amount you feel compelled to donate will be very appreciated by Birch and his family. All funds raised will help Birch continue his battle against cancer and make his lifelong dream of traveling internationally become a reality. Any donation, big or small, will contribute directly to his friends’ and families’ hopes of making the rest of Birch’s life a little less stressful and a lot more happy.

Here’s to Birch!!  

There are those who seem to be a friend to all. There are those who seem to be stronger than everything life has thrown at them. Birch is one of those special kinds of humans. And right now he is facing a challenge that he cannot navigate alone. A friend like him comes few and far between. Opportunities to support these uniquely strong ones among us is rare as well. Here is your chance.