Help Ease Financial Burden for Grieving Family

Cancer is expensive. Please help me raise money to ease the financial burden my mom carries in addition to her grief.

My father's health journey began a few years ago, with a steep and sudden decline in strength and energy, and an increase in back pain. He battled for over a year trying to ease the pain, but his problems were magnified in the summer of 2024. He became lethargic and his whole body itched—he was exhausted, but he couldn't sleep due to the constant itching. Allergy medications, vitamins, and supplements—none of it helped.

Eventually, the doctors found that the cause of the health issues came from a failing liver, which they believed was caused by cancer, but for many months they were unable to obtain an official diagnosis. My dad needed a new liver, but without the cancer diagnosis, he would be too far down on the transplant list; he wouldn't make it if something wasn't done. In the meantime, my father was instructed to go to the ER any time he spiked a fever, which meant that for many months he and my mother spent more time admitted in the hospital than at home.

The doctor decided to proceed with a liver resection surgery, which was performed on January 3, 2025. During the procedure, the surgeon found that the cancer had spread much farther than anticipated. It was everywhere. This was when we were finally able to get an official diagnosis: cholangiocarcinoma, a rare type of cancer commonly known as bile duct cancer.

Recovery from the surgery was slow; my dad was in the hospital for 3 weeks. His oncologist later admitted that she didn't think he'd ever be strong enough to receive treatment, but despite the odds, my father showed slight improvement, long enough to receive 2 treatments of chemotherapy.

Shortly after his 56th birthday (on Wednesday, April 23, 2025), the next Tuesday, April 29th, he was found largely unresponsive and was rushed to the Riverton Hospital in an ambulance. He passed in the hospital at 2:47 am on Thursday, May 1, 2025, surrounded by family members.

My dad left a legacy of kindness, witty humor, and love for all those around him. His many months in the hospital racked up a large amount of medical bills, which is what the money from your donations will be used towards.

On behalf of my entire family, we deeply appreciate your contribution. "Thank you" isn't enough. We love you.