Cancer Can't Hoist Our Pirate!

This is still a world full of good people. Richard Marshall is one of them. Known as "Dead Ear Dick" among his brothers at Seafair Pirates or simply "Pirate" to friends, he's always been there to lend a hand to those around him. Whether it be helping two young friends find a home after their apartment burned down, volunteering his handyman skills for people in need, or taking part in the active ministry at his local church; Richard "aka Pirate" has always been there.

He's not the type to ask for help. Too proud. But as many of you can relate the cost of medical care today can lay anyone low. Even a seafairing legend like him.

In 2018, an image in Pirate's lung was spotted during a routine exam. A petscan confirmed cancer. At that time he underwent surgery to remove the mass. Surgery was followed by 4 rounds of chemo. The chemo was particularly hard on his body. Already a small guy, which is why the other Seafair Pirates could easily stick him on their shoulders or on top of a barrel for group photos, he lost even more weight.

After the 4th round the outlook was positive and the cancer went into remission. But his body was left in a much weaker state and he couldn't continue to do even smaller contractor projects like he used to. Pirate was fortunate enough to find a job with a group he liked at Amazon.

Then this July the cancer came back. Cancer L4 in his right lung. This required 10 rounds of radiation and obviously Pirate couldn't return to work. The chemo is was so tough on his system he's had to have his teeth pulled prior to chemo. Thankfully, pirates are used to eating gruel...or at least used to being tough.

But the repeated rounds of chemo, immunotherapy, doctor visits, and treatments brought on even more weight loss...coupled with the lack of being able to work has been just devastating to him and his wife Jody. It's the type of situation that could leave them bankrupt and threaten their home, not to mention just being worn down by the cancer itself and the treatments.

I hear that Pirates are allowed as tax right offs by the IRS! What better way to reduce your what you owe the IRS than to help out a Pirate?

Seriously though, even a small donation can help Richard and Jody recover some of their footing as treatment continues. Only donate if you are able. If you can't donate money, sending Pirate a note of support, would simply help an old seadog make it through the next round of this fight.

Thank you all for your help, support, and your love.