Edit: We are heartbroken to share the news that Dawn lost her battle with cancer Sunday morning, October 19th. We've reopened the GoFundMe to help Jeff cover the expenses that come with the loss of his wife.

As many of you know, Dawn was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in August of 2021. The past four years have been incredibly difficult for us as a couple. In August, we received devastating news that the cancer has taken a serious turn, and Dawn recently spent three weeks in the hospital undergoing treatment. During that time, I also learned that I no longer had my job because of the amount of time I’ve had to take off to care for her. Though my job was part-time, it was our only source of income. Over the last four years, we have exhausted all of our savings and retirement accounts, and because I haven’t been able to meet the 1,250-hour work requirement, I do not qualify for FMLA.

For the past four years, our lives have revolved around Dawn’s care. We’ve been driving 150 miles round trip to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa three to five days a week for treatments and appointments. What should be a 90-minute drive each way often takes much longer, and this constant travel has taken a toll on both our vehicles and our energy, leaving us utterly drained.

As Dawn’s full-time caregiver, I help her with nearly every aspect of daily living—showering, exercising, using the restroom, and moving around safely—while also trying to keep her spirits up. Between these responsibilities and our endless travel schedule, I’ve had little time to work, care for our home, or even care for myself. The stress has been overwhelming, and the toll on my physical, emotional, and mental health has been heavy.

Without nearby family or a local support system, we have been largely isolated for nearly 50 months. Still, we hold on to hope. Dawn’s doctors are doing everything they can, and with the advances in cancer treatments, we pray for many more years together. But financially, we are at the end of our resources. Without help, we risk losing everything. As part of Dawn's continued treatment she still needs to return to the hospital several times a week for treatment.

We are deeply grateful for any gift, no matter the size, as it will help us continue this fight together.

Blessings, Jeff and Dawn