Donate for Daniel’s Cancer Battle

As many of you know, after weeks in the hospital, I received a cancer diagnosis in September—stage three testicular cancer. It has spread to my lymph nodes and lungs, as well as a 10.5 cm tumor pressing against my renal vein and aorta. Though myself and team are expecting a full recovery, the road ahead is still long, with many expect-the-unexpected scenarios still to play out.

You may also know I am the chef/owner of Progress restaurant in Springfield, Mo. I’ve done little else over the past four years except invest every gram of my time, energy, and heart into that place. Now, I’ve run into something that has truly stopped me in my tracks and put my life on pause in a way I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

I am in treatment, but am fully aware that my treatment and surgery will extend into next year and possibly the year after that. My stubborn notion that I would have this thing kicked in a few short weeks was…an under-informed idea.

I have ALWAYS struggled to ask for help and to receive help. However, this experience has shown that asking/receiving help is not only paramount, but it’s as crucial to my recovery as the chemo in my veins.

Since the beginning of this journey, I’ve earnestly believed that I will come out the other side better, stronger, and having learned vital lessons I would have otherwise missed. This is definitely the hard way to learn, but I’m grateful for the lessons I am learning, nonetheless. One of those lessons, is that people truly do care for me, want to help me, and want to give. I’ve come to understand that, for some, not being able to help is just as difficult as it is for me to ask for help.

So here I am.

I’ve been amazed by the support and kindness of my friends, family, and community, and if you’ve helped me already in any shape or form, I’m not asking for more. In fact, I’m not asking for anything from anyone. Rather, I wanted this to be a platform and outlet for those who feel moved or driven to help.

I am extremely grateful for any and all kindness that is and has been shown to me. Thank you for being in my corner. I’ll do my very best to provide updates as I have them both here, and on my Instagram @daniel_ernce.

With gratitude,

Daniel