Dear Family, Friends and Perfect Strangers,

Let me take a moment to share with you the incredible story of my big brother Dave, He is the kind of guy who would give anyone the shirt off his back and the shoes off his feet without hesitation. With his quick wit and kind soul, he brightens up the lives of everyone around him. His ability to make us laugh with his hilariously often inappropriate jokes is a gift, and his tireless work ethic is a testament to his dedication to providing for his loved ones. As a loving father to his three sons Joseph (27), Ryan (11) and Tyler (5) and his bonus daughter Yanelis (14), Dave's love and devotion knows no bounds.

Despite facing unimaginable challenges, Dave's resilience and strength are an inspiration to us all. After the unexpected passing of his late wife Lori in 2022, Dave stepped up to care for their young son, who bravely struggles with autism. With a heart full of love and a spirit that refuses to be broken, Dave has navigated this difficult journey with courage and determination. His recent marriage to the lovely Yury has brought even more joy and love into his life, and together they have created a nurturing environment that has allowed his son to flourish, blossoming from being non-verbal to becoming bilingual.

Last winter, Dave's life took another unexpected turn when a car accident led to the discovery of a mass in his throat. Although the initial prognosis was optimistic, the reality proved to be far more challenging. On July 17th, Dave underwent a 14-hour surgery, and in an instant, his life was forever changed. The seasoned doctor's words still echo in our minds: "it is the worst cancer he has ever seen." The cancer had spread from his thyroid to his lymph nodes and vocal cords, necessitating a tracheotomy and leaving him unable to eat or drink and barely able to speak.

As Dave prepares to face another surgery and the long, arduous journey of radiation treatment for stage 4 thyroid cancer, our entire family stands in awe of his unwavering spirit. Despite the devastation that threatens to overwhelm us, Dave's determination to stay strong inspires us all to do the same.

I am setting up this GoFundMe to help my brother and his family navigate the financial challenges that lie ahead, as he bravely faces this new chapter in his life. I ask that you please give whatever you can, and if you cannot give monetarily, then please give us the precious gift of your prayers. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can make a difference in Dave's life.