Hi, my name is Stephanie Lawrence. I am creating this GoFundMe for my father, Michael Lawrence, in hopes of relieving some financial burden and stress off of my parents.

My dad is one of the strongest people I know, and I know he will kick cancer's ass. He has always been there to help those in need, and now I hope it will come back around.

Just a few weeks ago, we were told the words no one ever wants to hear: “I’m sorry, you have cancer.” For the last year, my father had been saying something didn’t feel right. Many trips to the doctor, colonoscopy/endoscopy, abdominal CT—all negative. With a weight loss of 70 pounds, we still knew something was being missed. Two months ago, he had an earache. He went to the doctor again, was prescribed several rounds of antibiotics and steroids, and two months later, the pain was still there and worse than ever. He decided to go to the ER. They did a CT of the head and neck, and that’s where it was found. The tumor is pressing on the nerve that runs to the ear—there was never an infection, just referred pain. He saw ENT and they did a biopsy. Results came back as invasive moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

We saw oncology at Siteman today, 10/3, and were told they are unsure what stage it is at this point, but it could be between 1-3. My dad will see the Radiation team next Thursday and have a PET scan Friday. He will have to see a surgeon as well, but that has not been scheduled yet.

The unofficial plan as of right now, pending the PET scan results, as long as it has not metastasized, will be radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

With all of the appointments, back and forth from St. Louis, medical expenses, etc., I am hoping to help out just a little bit.

I understand things are tough for a lot of people right now, so if you can’t donate, a share would help a lot, and we could definitely use the prayers.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

I will post updates as we receive them!