Hi, my name is Davin Granberry (Coach DJ). I work with a fantastic teacher of students on the autistic spectrum who have some very challenging behaviors and needs to say the least. This teacher is Priscilla Gonzalez-Spell. She comes to work daily with this spirit of caring and love for not just the teaching occupation but for the students that depend on her. A few months ago, her husband, David Spell, went to Denver for a work-related trip, as he has done many times in the past, but this time was different. He called Priscilla complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing and that he was being admitted to the hospital to run some tests on him. She booked the next flight to Denver, leaving their two children (Aven, 12 and Adele, 6) with her sister. Unfortunately, they don’t have much family in Miami (but they have great friends). When she got to Denver, she received news that David had a mass in his chest and was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. Her life and her family were forced to enter a new chapter in their life, living with cancer.

What does that mean? Living with cancer meant she was taking weekly flights to Denver to be by her husband’s side while he was confined to a hospital for over a month and a half. Thankfully the day came when he was allowed to return to Miami and see his children, but he was still hospital bound for a few more weeks. David’s will to fight and undeniable strength helped him reach the point where he could be released from the hospital and put on outpatient status. David and his family are doing their best to live with cancer on their terms (grateful, happy, and free). Weekly hospital visits for treatments, living on a single income now and running out of sick days (and patience). We think we are ready for anything and that nothing is more challenging than losing a loved one, but I think living with cancer challenges this idea. Bills don’t stop, the kid's needs don’t diminish, and the desire to fight for a remarkable life with your partner doesn’t fade. We can’t help by giving David more time with his family or making the fight against cancer easier, but I hope you will find it in your hearts to help someone who has not asked for anything. The Spell family has not asked for a single penny, an extra day off from work, or anyone’s pity (and they won’t accept it). The Spells are proud and strong, but they need our help, like everyone needs understanding in moments like this. Any help is appreciated, and prayers are always welcomed. The funds will be used to pay any hospital bills and daily living expenses and to celebrate the day David’s cancer goes into remission, and they can continue to live life cancer free.