Cancer — a word often spoken, but never fully understood until it affects someone you love. With Father’s Day approaching, I’m taking this moment to ask for support on behalf of my family. As some of you may already know, my dad was recently diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer — news that has been incredibly hard for us to process. While many families face this reality, you never truly expect it to happen to your own.

My dad has started chemotherapy with the hope of shrinking the tumor, and doctors are currently exploring additional treatment options. Since beginning treatment, he’s found it increasingly difficult to keep up with work. Him being the hardworking provider that he is, this is really taking a toll on him. He continues to push through — because that’s just who he is. He would do anything for anyone; believe me when I say I would not have made it through college without calling him for every little problem.

Right now, my family wants to make sure we are here for him and in doing so, I have decided to post this GoFundMe. Any contribution — big or small — or even a prayer, means the world to us and helps ease the burden we’re facing. If you are unable to donate, that is okay too, even just sharing this can help make a difference. We’re holding onto hope. Thank you all for your support, kindness, prayers, and positivity. He’s the strongest man I know, and I truly believe he can beat this.

With love,

The Stoops