Help Ian beat cancer!!

I'm not sure where to begin . . .

As a child, Ian was the sibling who was always laughing; always telling jokes; always lightening whatever dark mood was around. He told dad during one of the many moves we did as children that although everyone else was unpacking the truck, it was his job to ride around the new neighborhood and meet people. (Dad obliged as the story goes, and Ian did start his new set of friends that day.) In high school and college, everyone gravitated to him. I loved hearing "Oh, that's Ian's sister" - the lack of identity becoming my identity. Even today, he is a professional in the working world and he is still bringing people together in a way that fosters friendship and harmony at work . . . throughout the Ultimate Frisbee community . . . in his neighborhood. Ian loves life and loves living it.

Every year, Uncle Ian came to spend Thanksgiving with us. When our daughter was 4, I was setting the expectation for the weeks to come. I said, "Then, we have Halloween, and what's the next holiday after Halloween?" Without hesitation, she threw her hands in the air with exuberance and gleefully cheered, "UNCLE IAN DAY!"

On the note of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for Ian's presence, energy, and kindnesses to the lives around him. On June 27th, Ian received a devastating diagnosis of stage 3 cancer. This particular diagnosis requires bi-weekly chemo treatments that Ian has already begun, followed by chemo and radiation, and a third step that we're discussing with potential surgeons. The news of his diagnosis has launched them into a whirlwind of appointments, research and travel, as doctors wanted to move fast. However, his spirits are as high as one could hope, and he continues to look on the bright side through all the poking of needles and side effects of the treatment regimen he has begun.

As he battles the Big C, he will accrue a lot of medical bills and we would like to support him in his fight, whether we are close or far. This campaign is to help him pay the hospitals, doctors, surgeons, and other caregivers he will need to guide him. It is also to help him get transportation to the best surgeons available for his diagnosis. Whatever you can give will help - even $5 is a generous contribution. It may take him a while to let you know he received it and share his thanks, but please know he is ever grateful now, too.

There are other ways to support him, as well. If you are in or near the Asheville, NC area, home cleaning, laundry, and a meal train are all being coordinated as he (and his better half, Frankie) are spending a lot of time in the cancer center. Please reach out through GoFundMe messaging to let us know how you are able to support them best.

Heck, you may have more experience in the language of cancer than we do and may want to offer something not suggested here. Your love, thoughts, prayers, and positive energy are also all welcome, valuable, and appreciated!

Thank you for helping in whatever way best fits your situation. Ian sends you love, laughter, and health!

Update 9/10: After additional review with insurance and doctors, we've learned that the anticipated costs associated with treatment & travel will likely be significantly higher than originally expected, which is the reason for this new increased goal. Thank you so much to everyone for all your support through donations, kind words, meal delivery, spiritual support and many other acts of kindness! I couldn't imagine going through this process without such amazing friends and family here to support me.