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Cancer Treatment/College Fund

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I am seventeen years old.  All I can say is that I come from a very loving family who has given me all of my needs and some of my wants.  I have very fond memories since my early years and I am still making memories that are priceless.  I am very grateful that my parents raised me with faith and to love everyone equally.  We have had our ups and downs in the family when it comes to finances, but despite that, both my parents gave up much and sacrificed to give me the best of education. 
Our financial situation was due to my father losing his job repeatedly for different reasons because of the economy.  The time frame that he would be unemployed varied depending on the job needs, at times it took him months and others two to three years.  Every time he found a job he would be the first to leave as he was the last to get in.  My mother was a stay at home mom since my birth until I was six.  During which time my dad lost a job, so they were both unemployed at the same time trying to make ends meet.
The worst part of it all was when I was six years old; my father was diagnosed with cancer.  I did not understand much then, but it was pretty serious. All I know was that he was sick, had surgery, did radiation, and was better.    I have vague memories of him getting treatments and I did not realize what a financial burden that was.  Still, my parents did everything in their might not to give in to the situation as they said it was only temporary.  In reality, debt piled up and interest kept them from being able to pay things off.  
They still continued on with their lives and did the best they could to make things seem ok and kept making even more sacrifices.  They managed as best as they could and made it look that everything was ok and taught me to enjoy and value the simplest things in life.  For me as a little girl I enjoyed having both mom and dad as they always told me it was God's way to get us to spend a lot of precious time together!  
As I grew a little older, I started to realize that life can be very tough but as a child none of that made sense to me.  They continued to provide me with the best education so that I can have a bright future.  Little did I understand all the struggles they went through! 
Despite all this, I never lacked anything.  I remember the cool and best home birthdays, and handmade Halloween costumes; things that matter to children, little did all that meant sacrifices and providing with the littlest things on their part: my parents put me first; I was a happy child, and still am.  I cherish all that.
Now, I am facing college.  This is a crucial time for me with it being my senior year.  Applying to colleges, trying to find scholarships, preparing for auditions, and looking forward to my next step, I am starting to realize what life is all about, and it is not always easy.  I am faced with a big problem. 
My dad was diagnosed with Multiple Myelome, bone marrow cancer, and Amyloid in November, and he is going through chemotherapy treatments.  I don’t understand why all this is happening!  Why again? Why my dad? I know now how difficult this must have been back then when I was six.  My parents are still trying to pay off the debt from all the years of financial struggle, why not give them a chance.  They have done nothing but sacrifice, work hard and keep us in good standing in everyway. Their faith is still strong! I can’t completely comprehend the dilemma they are facing, but how are we going to pay for the treatments? 
Despite health insurance, I am starting to realize how the bills will be piling up very fast.  I am college bound, and that is going to be a financial burden.  I hear them say they don’t want me to graduate with debt; they don’t want to see me going down that path.  Starting life with debt will put me in a bad financial place they tell me.  My dad has already had many different testing that is very costly, and is going through chemo.  I hate cancer!  I am asking whoever reads this to help out.  This is the reason why I chose “go fund me”!  So please, if you are able to provide, I am asking you to be generous. I do not wish for my parents to be burdened any further.  One bill from the ER came in that almost gave them a heart attack; $13,000+ for just 5 hours, including $1800+ for the bed alone in which he rested for five hours before they admitted him.  Antibiotic medication was $2500+.  This is outrageous, I would hate to see the hospital charges, testing, chemo  treatment, and stem cell charges, despite the fact that he will be his own donor, it will be extremely costly.  AND now college tuition and expenses. I hate it for them.  I need to find a way to get them help especially for the medical charges and my college. 
I know one day I will give back, but I am not ready financially yet, therefore I am reaching out and praying that God will one day bless me enough to give back to deserving families.  Thank you!
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $25 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Aliki Leonard
Organizer
Jamestown, NC
James Leonard
Beneficiary

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