Hi Everyone.

My name is Jim Abbott and I have some challenging news. My brother-in-law and dear friend, Erik Rogers, has recently been diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. After an initial diagnostic procedure, I was sitting right next to him the very moment he heard the doctor say the words we all fear most: "You have cancer". The gravity of those words in the room that day was haunting. A bad dream begins. Within a week, the tumor is removed and a week later it is said to be an aggressive cancer. Treatment is urgent. "Chemotherapy" and "Bladder Removal". The words are heard, but they are not retained. Denial and avoidance is an obvious initial reaction. He is just 42. This is an emotional exercise. You move forward, but only physically...and unwillingly. From what I have read, owning the cancer and being emotionally invested can take some time. Erik is getting there, with treatment beginning soon. He needs our help.

Erik has a great job. Operations Manager at The Golf Car Company, here in central Ohio. He is dedicated to his work. His position is a unique blend of blue and white collar work. The owner/manager respects him and provides him flexibility when needed. This is now ideal given the battle ahead. He was given a raise last year that enabled him to obtain affordable health insurance. However, to suggest this insurance, acquired through the health care exchange, is not without problems is to state the obvious. Confusion persists on "in network" versus "out of network", applicable expenses in meeting deductibles, coverage for the various treatment scenarios, and just how much money it will cost to tackle his cancer. It is beyond substantial. He needs our help.

Erik has a wife, my sister Emily. She runs their home, and has recently started a career in a local school district. She is sincerely focused on maintaining a stable and happy home. They have a beautiful daughter, my niece Julia. She may be the most genuinely happy, caring and loving 10 year old girl on earth. Erik provides for and loves his family. He is always willing to exist in creative play with his little girl. Dance parties are epic. Father-daughter trips to California to see family each year. Erik, Emily and Julia. This is your quintessential family trying to make it work every single day. They need our help.

On a more personal level, my wife, Maria, and son, Simon, are with Erik, Emily and Julia nearly every weekend. To say we are close is beyond obvious. Very close is exactly accurate. They need our help.

So, this is what I am asking. Let's partner with Erik and come up with some money to cover substantial expenses that will not be covered through insurance and is imminently needed to beat his cancer. I am establishing an aggressive goal and believe we can get there. All money raised will be used for medical expenses and expenses directly related to helping Erik, Emily and Julia get through this challenge.

Can you help? And, please pass this on through all your available social networks! I will keep everyone updated.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Jim Abbott