From Stage Four to Second Wind: A Mission of Gratitude

​My name is Robert Taylor, and I'm reaching out with a story of struggle, survival, and a powerful promise I intend to keep. While I continue my daily fight against Stage Four lung cancer, I am compelled to focus my energy on the people of Jamaica, where I have friends and family who are currently suffering immensely. Following Hurricane Melissa, they are engaged in a desperate fight for the basics of life: food, shelter, and healthcare.

​Just months ago, I was consumed by my own illness. The loneliness of the diagnosis was crushing; I truly believed nothing could be worse than having cancer. That was until I saw the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

​The Moment I Received My Second Chance

​During my treatment, an infection flared and almost killed me. In that critical moment, I felt myself slipping away. It was there that I saw my mother, who had passed away years ago; I heard her tell me to come with her, though her mouth didn't move. Then, my kids' great-grandfather, who didn't speak English, appeared and told me to come with him. When he gently touched me, I woke up.

​I was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). I weighed only 130 lbs, had a tube in my side, couldn't walk, and was in constant, agonizing pain. I looked up and made a vow to God: If He helped me survive, I would dedicate my remaining days to helping the less fortunate.

​Keeping the Promise

​My recovery has been astonishingly fast since that promise. I didn't need chemotherapy or radiation. I take one pill a day, and that's it—the cancer keeps getting smaller and smaller. That single pill costs almost $20,000 per month, and while 70 percent is covered, the remaining cost is a heavy weight. Yet, we are blessed.

​In return, my family and I are dedicated to service. We buy winter hats, socks, and gloves plus hand and foot warmers and go out every Sunday after church to hand them out to the homeless. I never pass a person asking for money without helping them.

​Now, I am focused on my family and friends in Jamaica, whose need is overwhelming.

​Urgency in Jamaica: Help Us Rebuild 20 Lives

​The scale of suffering in Jamaica is immense. Our immediate focus is on families like Jordan's. The baby in the picture was tragically injured by debris, and his parents are currently homeless after the hurricane took the roof off their house. The funds will first provide them with the resources for immediate medical attention, secure housing, and food, giving this young family a chance to recover.

​In a country where the minimum wage is just $100 USD per week, a small amount of aid can restore stability.

​Our Goal: To raise $10,000 to provide direct, life-changing support.

​This money will allow us to give $500 to each of the 20 families. This crucial sum—the equivalent of over a month of wages—will allow them all to secure materials for home repairs, purchase vital food, and access essential services.

​We will not stop at $10,000. Every dollar beyond this goal will be used to help more families and provide urgently needed support to local healthcare facilities. Medical supplies are in dire need!

​I continue to fight cancer, but compared to the struggles in Jamaica right now, I know I'm lucky. I know where my next meal is coming from. Please help me honor my second chance by helping them receive theirs.

Thank you

One Love