Richard Bryan Comfort Care Fund

Richard Bryan has been fighting Sezary Syndrome, an advanced and rare form of lymphoma, for over four years. He has ebbed and flowed with his progress, undergoing numerous different chemotherapy treatments, a surgery, and two bouts of radiation. This all took an obvious toll yet he persisted through it, happily attending his oldest and middle sons' weddings and supporting his wife Cathy through her own tumultuous battle with cancer. Unfortunately, the continuing symptoms of the cancer, as well as the compounding effects of treatment, have led him to a point where continued treatment is no longer viable if he hopes to maintain any quality of life. As such, he and his family must now take the necessary steps to prepare for the final phase of his life.

He was a much beloved Special Education teacher at Moreno Valley High School before having to make the difficult but necessary decision to enter medical retirement. This was particularly hard given that Rick's 2 main passions in life were and are his students and his family. He taught students with 'emotional disturbance,' a task that demanded much but gave back even more. He spent much of his free time and energy fostering his sons' passions - attending performances, volunteering labor, and generally operating as a sounding board and point of reliance.

Cathy, whose cancer has thankfully stayed in remission past the important 2 year marker, knows firsthand the pain and tenacity required of this struggle and wishes to live Rick's remaining time with him, at home. As Rick enters Palliative/Hospice Care, Cathy will have to give up most or all her wages to care for him. This campaign is to help recoup the cost of those lost wages, as well as that of further medical care, so that this couple, who has been together over 30 years and raised 3 sons, can spend Rick's remaining time together with as much happiness and peace as possible.  It is not lost on the family that money is not easily come by for most and the request for assistance is not taken lightly. Any support they receive now will unquestionably be paid forward in the future for those who find themselves in similarly unfortunate situations. Whatever donations that can be spared, regardless of the amount, will be met with the utmost gratitude and humility. Thanks to all those who donate and also to all those who know the paralyzing difficulty of this situation and the will it takes to try to live a happy life in spite of it.