Hi, my name is Rachel and I am fundraising for the Harris Family :) Daryl was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer on 8/3/22 and has decided he is going to be a fighter!

They have a long road ahead of them and anything you can donate to help would be appreciated. There will be a lot of doctor visits, time off of work, chemo and I am certain unplanned expenses.

We will continue to update on Daryl's behalf - and their family needs.

8/4:His wife Kate, said it best - "Our life changed as we know it 7/24/22. You hear the dreaded words after a CT scan that their MIGHT be a mass in your husband’s colon. What? How can this be? He’s only 41! Only 41. With a family history of colon cancer (Dad and Dad’s sister—may she RIP). So many things run through your mind. Seriously, bad things.

7/26 he was having surgery to remove the mass which was causing an obstruction. His surgeon was and is nothing less than amazing. But he prepped us for the worst. He told me all the things that could happen while he met with us in pre-op. He called me himself after surgery and I heard the dreaded words. That it looks like cancer.

8/3 (yesterday) was his first post op appointment. We listened to the pathology report and learned that it had spread to 2 out of the 13 lymph nodes they removed. Therefore they were diagnosing him with stage 3 colon cancer. He will need chemo. Meetings with oncologists are scheduled.

He will an ungodly amount of appointments in the next few weeks and months.

How is this my life? How is this my husband? How did we miss the signs?

So now we prepare to send our one and only to kindergarten next week and at the same time try and figure out how we are going to mange this all with work, school and appointments. Learning a new school routine while also having a husband going through chemo seems overwhelming and chaotic.

While we have reached out with information to some. This will get everyone up to date with what our family is going through.

Many have said if you need anything let us know. I can’t even begin to know what we will need. How do you prepare for anything like this? What I do know is that we have had to contract lawn care services from now until…..? which is an added expense. Things we could use: Target or Publix gift cards for groceries, restaurant gift cards (for take out), gift cards for gas even. If we get them great if we don’t we will make do. We aren’t the type to ask for help EVER. We aren’t going to say…yeah actually I need help with the yard work, cleaning, chores, groceries, cooking, washing the car or whatever else that needs get done. The world doesn’t stop for you when you are going through the worst. But the last thing we want to worry about is food, meals, gas etc. If that’s something you choose to do, I’ll be glad to send our address or email.

Daryl and I both plan to continue to work during to this time as we can but will need time off of course. Please respect our privacy during this time. We will update as we can.

Prayers, good vibes, positive thoughts etc all appreciated during this time. Daryl still has his sense of humor. Not sure how, but he’s always cup 1/2 full.

He’s my rock. My one and only. My world."

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Over 60% of bankruptcies are due to medical costs and of that 60%, 72% of them had insurance. For those of us in abundance of any amount, be it $5 or $5000, this would help change what the next year really looks like for Daryl and Kate.

Financial strain causes unneeded stress, and the need to cut corners with healthcare and healing services. Daryl's job right now is to complete his treatments, rest and heal. You can help with a one time donation, or consider a sustaining monthly donation. If you are interested in donating outside of GoFundMe, please reach out to Daryl or Kate directly or message us here. All funds donated will be allocated to necessities, housing, fuel and medical needs.

We want to thank all of you, in advance, for your thoughtful gifts or support. We will keep you all updated on how your generosity is helping Daryl through his journey, and share challenges and triumphs. We will continue to update with pictures to remind you all how strong Daryl really is!