Asking for help

Like a lot of people who come here, I’m sure, I don’t have much experience asking for money- so this is weird for me. My family and I tend to keep our issues within, so I’m going to try to only share what I feel is important. 

My Uncle Rick is currently being placed on Hospice. It has been a long and difficult journey that has landed him here, and I have stood by feeling helpless, scared, andin awe of him and the bravery he has put forth. My whole family has felt all of these things. 

In 2016, Rick was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma Esophageal Cancer. He fought hard and ultimately rid of the cancer, but lost his ability to speak in the process. Imagine having to completely learn how to speak again as an adult? He persevered and learned to speak with an electrolarynx- a battery operated device that helps to produce a voice.

This physical and mental feat was not a small one. He has a huge family behind him that encouraged and and loved him through the process, but going through something like that would impact even the strongest of people. As time went on we saw him smiling more and enjoying things like he used to- like fishing and spending time with family. Which is why when we got the news in 2020 that his cancer was back and with a vengeance we were heartbroken. 

Rick has fought hard to be able to spend every day he can with his family. Treatment is becoming too difficult for him to keep up with at this point however, and the family is supporting his choice to discontinue it. At this time we just want Rick to be surrounded with those he loves.

As we have all discovered this year, life doesn’t stop when tragedy hits. Ricks wife,Stephanie, is spending all the time she can by his side but still has the weight of monthly expenses on her shoulders. My hope is that this fundraiser can help relieve her of some of these expenses so she can spend every minute possible with her husband during the time he needs her most.

Anything helps. This feels so unfair and he truly doesn’t deserve this. We just have to trust there is always a plan. Thank you for reading and sharing ❤️ My family has so much gratitude for any and all help we receive.