Fighting a Bigger Beast Than Me: Larry's Unyielding Battle

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters,

I'm reaching out to you today, opening my heart with a raw and honest plea. For me, the "bigger beast" isn't some abstract idea; it's the stark, terrifying reality of metastatic colon cancer, a formidable adversary that has tested my strength and dignity beyond anything I could have imagined.

In 2020, my world was utterly shattered. That devastating diagnosis hit me like a physical blow, and I was given a grim prognosis – told I might not make it beyond two years. Since then, my life has been a relentless rollercoaster, a brutal cycle of intense treatments, fleeting moments of miraculous remission, and heartbreaking recurrences. Now, the cancer is back, asserting its presence, and I understand that my time here is precious. Yet, despite the odds, I refuse to give up. I am still here, still fighting, and still holding onto the profound belief that I am going to make it.

My journey hasn't just been about cancer. It's been marked by a profound cascade of loss that has left deep scars. Beyond this relentless disease, I've endured the heartbreaking loss of my mother, my two closest brothers, my beloved dogs, and my loving girlfriend, all in a short period of time. There's also been the painful separation from my two daughters, which, frankly, has made this battle feel incredibly isolating at times. Yet, through all this profound grief and hardship, somehow, my spirit remains unbroken. I wake up each new day with a fierce determination and an enduring spark of hope. People often ask me how I've gotten through this, and honestly, it's been mostly my stubborn sense of humor and my unwavering faith in God that have carried me. Laughter, even in the darkest moments, has been my shield, and my faith, my anchor.

Current Challenges Weighing on Me

Right now, even as I face the enormity of my illness, I'm grappling with some really tough, immediate practical challenges that add immense stress to my daily life:

Urgent Housing Need: The place I call home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is being sold. This creates an immediate and incredibly stressful need to find a new, safe, and stable home, a place where I can simply rest and focus on my health, not on eviction notices.

Transportation Woes: Getting to my essential medical appointments has become a nightmare. Imagine enduring grueling chemotherapy, feeling absolutely sick and miserable, then having to wait for two hours for a ride, only to be crammed into an overcrowded van for the journey home. This isn't just an inconvenience; it adds an immense physical and emotional toll to an already difficult time, making every ounce of my energy count.

Daily Living Obstacles: Even the most basic daily tasks, like doing laundry or getting groceries, have become significant hurdles. They demand energy I simply don't have, leaving me exhausted and dependent.

Mounting Medical Costs: The endless medical co-pays are piling up. On my limited income, they're becoming increasingly unmanageable, threatening my access to the vital treatments that are keeping me fighting.

My Deepest Hopes for the Time I Have Left

Despite these overwhelming obstacles and the sorrow I carry, I cling to hopes that are truly meaningful, hopes that give me a reason to keep fighting and embracing each day:

To complete my lifelong dream of visiting all 50 U.S. states: This is a dream I've held onto for so long, and I'm so close – just eight more states to go! Each new state isn't just a mark on a map; it's a chance to create lasting memories, to feel truly connected to this incredible country before my time runs out.

To spend precious, quality time with my beloved grandchildren: My two grandsons, whom I cherish dearly, and my new grandchild arriving next month, are my absolute joy, my bright lights. Living 50 miles away makes visits infrequent because their parents only have one car. Time with them, building memories and ensuring they know their grandfather, is immeasurably important to me. I want them to remember me, not just a story.

To visit dear friends who live far away and say proper goodbyes: These are the people who have shaped my life, stood by me, and loved me. Having the opportunity for closure and connection, to share one last laugh or heartfelt conversation, would bring me a profound sense of peace.

And finally, I want to blog about my journey. This could be a chronicle of my fight and resilience, a way to share the raw truth of this battle, and most importantly, a testament to my unyielding spirit. Or, if a miracle does occur, it could be a testament to my journey as I visit those last eight states. This story, in either case, could be a source of strength and inspiration for countless others.

How Your Generosity Can Make a Real Difference

Living on a fixed income, especially now, makes achieving these deeply personal goals feel insurmountable. Your compassionate support, however, can directly and profoundly impact how I spend my remaining time, allowing me to live it with dignity and purpose, and to continue my fight:

A contribution towards a housing deposit: This would literally provide me with a safe and stable new home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, allowing me to focus on my health and creating memories with loved ones, rather than worrying about where I'll lay my head.

Support for transportation costs: This is critical. It would ensure I can attend crucial daily medical appointments without added stress, travel the 50 miles north to spend precious time with my grandchildren, and embark on the final leg of my 50-state journey.

Assistance with daily living expenses: Helping to ease the financial burden of everyday necessities would allow me to preserve my limited energy and focus on my well-being, truly making the most of each precious day.

Funding for medical co-pays: This would ensure I can continue my essential cancer treatments and receive necessary medications without the added financial stress, allowing me to fight with all I have.

Any contribution you can make, large or small, will directly impact my quality of life, allowing me to live my remaining time with dignity, surrounded by love, and with the invaluable opportunity to create lasting memories for my family. My hope is to continue fighting, defying the odds, and proving that with enough faith and support, miracles are possible.

In particular, the donation of a reliable vehicle, preferably a van, would be an extraordinary, life-changing gift. It would address one of my most pressing and challenging needs, providing the freedom and comfort I desperately need for appointments and visits. If you are able to donate a vehicle or know someone who might, please, please reach out.

Thank you, from the deepest parts of my heart, for taking the time to truly understand my situation and for considering how you might help. Your kindness and generosity will make an immeasurable difference in my life during this most difficult, yet profoundly hopeful, chapter.

With sincere gratitude and unwavering hope,

Larry Bohall

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