UPDATE:

First and foremost, we’d like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and encouragement we’ve received. Your generosity means more to us than we can ever express. Rex was on a positive

course with his treatment until about four weeks ago, when he began experiencing intensifying stomach pains. His latest PET scan has revealed that although “The known esophageal malignancy that extended into the gastric fundus demonstrates significantly reduced hypermetabolic activity…there is marked hypermetabolic activity associated with scattered cervical, supraclavicular, left axillary, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and upper abdominal which is new or significantly increased from prior exam. These could reflect metastatic disease or suggestive of metastasis from a second primary malignancy.”

In other words: the cancer has spread to his stomach and chest area. Obviously we are devastated by this news, but his oncologist has started Rex on a new cycle of chemotherapy & immunotherapy which has begun today,

and we’re very optimistic that we can get Rex into remission. This has been a very difficult fight for him and our family, but we remain hopeful and faithful that a miracle is on the way. Fortunately,

Rex has also been accepted at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for additional treatment, and this is an amazing opportunity for us to gain even sturdier footing in our fight against this beast. So as always, we are asking for prayers and are truly grateful for anything you all can give. Our prayer is that one day soon, there will be a definitive cure to this scourge called “cancer,” but until then, our prayers and thoughts are with all of you who are battling this devastating disease. We can do this!

Help Rex Fight Esophageal Cancer

What began as a joyful time—celebrating his daughter’s wedding—soon turned into something none of us expected. Last fall, Rex began having trouble eating. At first, we thought it was just acid reflux. But after an EGD in early January, we received devastating news: a mass was found at the base of his esophagus. Biopsies confirmed it was esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Initially, scans showed the cancer was regional, but a second biopsy revealed it had spread to a clavicular lymph node—officially making it Stage 4.

Rex underwent surgery to place a J-tube and bravely completed chemo and radiation within 48 hours post-op. He’s now completed those treatments, but he’s still unable to return to work. We’re currently waiting for his next PET scan in July to determine if he’s a candidate for thoracic surgery. If approved, that surgery will bring another long and painful recovery, during which he’ll once again be unable to eat and will rely solely on the J-tube for nourishment.

This journey has placed a tremendous emotional and financial burden on our family. We’re asking for $20,000 to help us cover living expenses, travel, and medical costs until Rex begins receiving disability benefits in October. We know times are tough, and even the smallest donation means the world to us.

If you can help—whether by donating, sharing this page, or lifting us in prayer—we are deeply grateful. There is so much power in community and faith, and we feel that strength every day.

Thank you for standing with Rex and our family during this time.