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Terminally ill father

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"My father has cancer…" This is something I’ve had to say in my head before I could utter the words out loud… “My father has stage four, lung cancer.” My name is Ricky Lowes, a U.S. Army veteran and son to my beloved father, Fred Lowes.
Those who know me know that it’s hard for me to ask anyone for anything. I am prideful in that I have always been a caretaker, a moneymaker, and the man of the house, but in these recent situations my father’s disease has humbled me. I am crushed. I feel like I have failed my family and my father in a way I cannot be the man I thought I was and provide for him. Although I know deep in my heart that he doesn’t think I’m a bad son, I still feel as if anything I can do at this point to keep him in my life, is worthwhile. This is why I have written this. Together, my family and I have created this campaign as a cry for help for my father. After a year of unresolved lung issues my father had switched doctors and thats when he was tragically diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We know not everyone gets the time expected with our loved ones as time is never promised to any of us but due to the circumstances my family hasn' had time to prepare for this.
When I was growing up, my dad was always there for me. I know that sounds cheesy, but he took our family to Cedar Point every year where he would always be patient with me and my siblings, and just find joy in watching us have fun. He was there when I needed him the most. He was my mentor and wrestling coach for 11 years and he was at every match, cheering me on. He pushed me to the brink of my limits and it resulted in my proud success of over 300 medals and awards. He taught me that his love was greater for me, greater than whether or not I won or lost. I always wanted to make him proud and impress him. He talked me down when I was depressed and going through two very hard divorces. We are not a rich family, but we are rich in love.
My father was in the Army.  After loyal service to his country, I followed in his footsteps and was in the Army for 8 years of my life. He is the hardest working man I have ever known, and I mean that full heartedly. Since his service he has been a loyal Machinist, tending to all the machines and trained all hi co-workers. When his boss passed away his sons had taken over and fired nearly all the veterans there except him.  He never faltered, never complained, and never stopped being the man of the house and providing for his family so that we always had a roof over our heads, food on our table, and insurance to continue living as a family. He never called in sick.
Due to recent circumstances, it is hard for my family to help keep my father alive. The cancer has spread viciously through his bones and the rest of his body and the only peace of mind in knowing this, is knowing that there is hope. I would do anything for him, and my brother, my mother, and the rest of my family is devastated by this quick and relentless disease. We are all at a loss of words and need the support of our friends, colleagues, former battle buddies, and family to help keep my beloved father, Fred Lowes, alive and as well as he can be. I need him to know how much I love him, that nothing he has done for me has gone unseen, and I want to return the favor and create more memories with my dad.
Anything will help. I cannot thank you all for reading this and giving me your unwavering support and condolences. I need prayers, thoughts, good vibes, and positivity in this situation, but most of all, I need your support and love for a boy and his father. I am such an admitting wreck lately, and I am pulling it together for him. My whole family needs to pull it together, for him, as he has pulled us together our whole lives. Please help.

Organizer

Ricky Lowes
Organizer
Flint, MI

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