I know, I know. Another GoFundMe. It's wild how common this has become a safety net for Americans in need--especially for those experiencing a medical crisis. Believe me, I wish there was another way.

 

But someone we love dearly--my sweet-as-a-peach cousin Steve--was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer at 61 years old, and we're humbly asking for your support.

 

Before I get into the inevitable sad stuff, let me first tell you about this guy:

 

He's the mellowest, kindest, most easy-going, and soft-spoken soul you'll ever meet.

 

Steve was born in Alabama and migrated to the Pacific Northwest with my Aunties and Mom in the 70s. As the eldest cousin, he taught us littles how to pick the juiciest blackberries, hook a worm for fishing, and was quick to indulge in battle with our Star Wars action figures.

 

Not yet school aged, my big sister Mariah and I used to sneak into his bedroom when he was gone, and stare in wild-eyed wonder at the KISS posters plastered on his walls.

 

Anyway, my cousin Steve returned to Alabama many years ago, where he lived a very humble life, with very humble means as a manual laborer.

After losing his lady love of nearly 30 years to diabetes, he relocated back to the PNW two years ago to reconnect with local family and start anew.

 

Here he worked as a gas station attendant, saved up to buy an RV, and settled into a nice park with a loving new community of friends outside of Portland, OR, where he’d be close to my Mom.

 

Then this June, he was rushed to the ER where we discovered his body's been aggressively invaded by cancer. What apparently started as Adenocarcinoma of the prostrate had already spread to his spine, lymph nodes, and knee.

 

So, now here we are. He's suddenly found himself undergoing extensive treatment, walking with a cane, and equipped with a colostomy bag.

As you can imagine, basic costs of living are piling up, just as available resources are rapidly disappearing for those finding themselves in these precise kinds of situations.

 

This guy is the last to ask for help, yet always quick to offer a helping hand. He doesn't need much, and I'm humbly asking on his behalf to help keep his utilities connected, his RV park rent current, and money in his pocket for basic day-to-day expenses.

 

Maybe a new guitar string if one busts while he passes time sharing the calm comfort of his music with friends.

Heaven only knows what journey lays before him, and without parents or children of his own, we’re doing everything we can to help forge a safety net with the kindness of friends, family, and just good people.

Won't you please consider supporting this sweet soul?