Rick was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney/renal metastasized cancer which is terminal. We were told when he was having testing done for a hernia repair surgery. His treatment plan consists of an infusion every 3 weeks at the Gustafson cancer center affiliated with Trinity health system in Pontiac and 2 cancer pills per day. The costs of his immunotherapy out of pocket is astronomical, we were able to qualify for a grant which covers a portion but as expensive as cancer treatments are the remaining portion (our responsibility) creates a huge financial burden. We are eternally grateful for anyone who can find it in your heart to help us. ♥️

P.S. the treatment he is receiving and enduring the terrible side effects is to slow the growth/spread of the cancer and give some quality of life. He has lost approximately 60 pounds and has to use children's toothpaste because anything else burns his mouth.

Update: Rick had a very bad fall on ice in February which caused a rotator cuff injury (2 different torn areas) which required surgical intervention. The surgery was performed in Traverse City which is another expense for travel and Rick can no longer work at our pizza shop. This has caused a reduction in hours of operation and lost revenue. The pizza shop is struggling but so far holding its own. But we no longer have much, if any income from our business once everything is covered....bills and payroll.

Update: Rick's shoulder became infected after his surgery. After a long 6 weeks of not moving his arm at all he started PT and we were hopeful for a great outcome but then we received the terrible news about the infection and he had to have another surgery to go in and try to clean out the infection and we were told the infection has ruined about 50%of the repair! We are completely devastated his immune system, or lack of, due to the cancer treatments wasn't strong enough to combat the infection. He is now recovering from his second surgery and is in a lot of pain and is extremely sick from the cancer medication and very strong antibiotics he must take for his shoulder. Please keep Rick in your prayers as he trys to remain optimistic but he is definitely feeling very defeated.

Next up is another CT scan the end of October because in the middle of all this his oncologist retired and we had to start with a new one and they need to see how much his cancer has spread. This fundraiser is to help offset so many expenses ... travel (gas is so expensive) to Pontiac for treatments and other trips for testing and also Traverse City for all the treatments and surgeries and now many upcoming appointments to keep a close watch on the infection and healing process, along with firewood and fuel oil to get us through the winter we mostly heat with wood and Rick used to cut it all and it cost us nothing now he can't cut wood and we have to buy it, fuel oil is our backup, and household expenses like groceries and and electricity and his cancer treatment out of pocket costs. I am trying to keep his spirits up along with running the pizza shop and manage his treatments/appointments I would appreciate a little prayer also, if I get sick we're in big trouble.

With much love and huge appreciation Traci