Dave and Jennifer Ward have spent their lives giving to their students, their schools, and their community. Now, they are facing a battle no family should have to fight alone.

Dave Ward is an exceptional educator at a Mountain Island Charter School, where he is truly the heart of the Theater Arts Department. He teaches all theater classes, video production, and technical theater; produces every school event, including musicals; teaches economics and personal finance; and delivers the weekly school news. He devotes countless hours beyond the school day to ensure his students feel seen, supported, and inspired. For many students, Dave is not just a teacher, but a mentor, advocate, and role model.

Dave and his wife of 19 years, Jennifer, adopted their son, Owen, when he was just five weeks old. Owen is the light and love of their lives, and they are devoted parents. Jennifer is also an exceptional educator, teaching high school English in a neighboring community, where she is known for her dedication to her students and her craft.

Seventeen years ago, Dave was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and successfully treated. In December 2025, he noticed a concerning area on his leg and had it biopsied on Christmas Eve day. On January 5th, he received devastating news: the biopsy revealed metastatic melanoma, and on January 10th, Dave underwent a PET scan, and on January 11th, he met with his surgical oncologist to review the results.

Dave has been diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, which originated from the cancerous lesions he battled 17 years ago. The cancer is aggressive and rapidly spreading throughout his body, including to his lymph nodes and bones. Dave will undergo extensive testing, including additional imaging and bone biopsies. Due to the advanced stage of the disease, surgery is not an option.

However, there is hope. Dave is a strong candidate for immunotherapy, which is a treatment designed to stop the cancer cells and allow his body to launch a powerful counterattack. Immunotherapy could last two years or longer, with the ultimate goal of remission. Dave is determined to fight with everything he has, and, in his own words, to “fight like hell.”

While continuing to manage everyday responsibilities—mortgage payments, vehicles, groceries, and utilities, Dave and Jennifer are also facing financially overwhelming medical bills that are already mounting and will continue to grow throughout treatment.

Asking for help does not come easily to Dave and Jennifer. In fact, they rarely ask for help at all, but this is a war they cannot fight alone.

Your support, whether through a donation, sharing this fundraiser, or keeping this family in your thoughts, will help ease the financial burden so Dave can focus on treatment, healing, and time with his family. Every contribution makes a difference, and every act of kindness reminds them they are not alone.