My name is Lilah Newkirk. Im hoping to help my oldest brother in his time of sorrow and desperate need.

In June 2014, David lost his first love to prostate cancer. Two years later, he suffered a stroke. He was left with balance and coordination problems and feeling like he was useless and in pain. His friend Casey reached out and offered him kindness and suggested they should move in together for emotional support and help each other out.

Then in August 2016, Casey was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it grew rapidly to borderline Stage 4 by March 2017. Casey had surgery to remove the prostate in late May, followed by radiation from August to October 2017.

David then lost his apartment in Dallas and had to move to Paducah, Kentucky, and live with his brother. He and Casey continued to talk on the phone. He was getting very despondent.

Casey offered to come pick him up, and he could spend Thanksgiving with Casey and his family in Rolla, Missouri. David accepted.

Casey's mom and sister were friendly and gracious. When it came time for David to return to Paducah, he asked Casey if he could go back to Oklahoma with him until his doctor appointment on December 6th. Casey consented.

They had thought about just putting everything in storage and buying a travel trailer and traveling. Casey has a lifetime pass for the National Parks, and David hadn't seen much of the western US. Two years ago, Casey's cancer came roaring back. The chemotherapy was debilitating, and he was very sick from it. Plans got put on hold. David's health began to fail. He was bedridden most of the next two years, and Casey struggled to take care of David while going through his chemotherapy. Casey would be by David's side until he passed away peacefully on Saturday night at 9:40 p.m. on June 14th, 2025. Casey lost two-thirds of their combined income with David's passing.

With David's passing, Casey is facing eviction and becoming homeless. He has filed for assistance and housing, but the waiting list for that help is anywhere from 10 months to two years.