I want to start out by saying, Thank You, to all of our family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances for all of their love and support over the past month and a half. To say we were shocked by my husband's (John) diagnosis is an understatement. He has been a loving husband and father and I have greatly relied on him.

We have three beautiful children. He has two daughters from previous relationships. Marli is a mature 21-year-old that is finding her way in the world. Rayli is growing into a beautiful young lady, navigating the rough waters of high school. While neither of our daughters live with us, we are very involved in their lives. We also have a three-year-old son together, Weston. He is an amazing little man with the most charming personality. You can't help but love him. Our son does have special needs, so I have greatly relied on my husband to care for him while I work. Our son has to have therapy nearly every day and has frequent doctor appointments. My son cannot speak or walk, so we have to be his voice and legs. It makes it difficult for both of us to work and meet his needs.

Hearing that the man you love deeply and rely on for the daily care of your special needs son has a rare form of stage 4 kidney cancer that has metastasized hits hard. I am terrified. Not only for myself but our children. They need their father. Only 6 people have been treated at Duke with this particular form of cancer. My husband makes the 7th. While his Duke doctors have been wonderful, I am finding it difficult to care for my ailing husband, special needs child, work full time, go to all doctor appointments, navigate arguing with insurance and pharmacies, maintain the house and household duties, care for our fur babies, and take care of myself. To make matters worse, I was just made aware that the critical illness policy I thought I had on my husband is not valid. I have been trying to navigate this on my own but I am finally admitting to myself that I need help. Any support anyone can provide, no matter how small it seems, means the world to us. Many of our family members and friends have been sending home-cooked meals, donating their time, and sharing their support emotionally or financially. Each act has made our day! I understand that many of us are struggling and fighting our own battles. That is why I want to express how extremely grateful we are for every single meal, act of kindness, and donated minute of time that we have received or will receive. I ask that no one feel guilty if they cannot assist financially. Please just keep us in your thoughts and share our story.

John has always been an extremely kind, supportive, and loving man. I am praying that he gets the chance to be the amazing person he has always been for many more years to come. Your act of kindness will be forever valued by our family. Bless you all!