For Larry

Dear Family and Friends;

    I am starting this GoFundMe page for my brother.
 
   Larry Manuel has cancer. While he is fighting his cancer, he is losing his home, his dream, his sanctuary. Though he has not quite gotten to this stage yet, the way things are going it is inevitable without help. He is unable to work and can not keep up with the normal costs of living, let alone the extra costs that come with fighting this illness (travel, parking, prescriptions, special diet etc..) I hope this campaign will help him save his home so he can stay focused solely on his battle and eventual recovery. Larry would say that he is not deserving of the world's help - but anyone who knows him would definitely disagree.
   
   My brother Larry was diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Oropharyngeal Cancer on January 29 2018. This is a fancy way of saying that he has cancer of the base of his tongue. It has been classed stage 4, not because there is no hope for survival, but because of its sheer size and advancement. At the time of diagnoses, the cancer had invaded half of his tongue, a good portion of the floor of his mouth, advanced up into the tissues of his cheek, 1 tonsil and 2 lymph nodes. he is currently in treatment. Strong radiation 5 days a week for 7 weeks, as well as having chemotherapy treatments every 3 weeks (these are exceptionally brutal) This road will be long and difficult. 

   If you are like me however you will still want a little more back story, so here goes...

   Let me start this part by saying that my brother is a generous and hard working family man. He has a big heart and seems to end up in roll of 'Good Samaritan' quite often. I think, even though he is very humble and becomes uncomfortable when I sing his praises, it is an important thing for me to mention.  He is the guy who would bend over backward for a total stranger even if it meant breaking his own back.
 
   Due to pre existing health issues (Auto Immune) Larry in recent years had to shift his work habits from secure full-time employment to working for himself- contracting himself out to do landscaping, home repair, as well as some home repo cleaning and refurbishing. Some of those jobs were hard and down right nasty but Larry did it all with a smile on his face and a song in his heart knowing he was able to provide for his family.
   
   Unfortunately this type of work provided no safety net. He is unable to claim unemployment, there is no health insurance in place, no benefits of any kind. 

   Larry's cancer was left undiagnosed since July when he began experiencing extreme pain, chronic fatigue, difficulties eating and even swallowing. Countless emergency room trips and clinic visits turned up nothing. They didn't look very hard (not bashing.. just stating facts) The symptoms increased and his physical and emotional health deteriorated. He has only been able to work part time since September and has completely been unable to work since December.
   
   This has put his family under a great deal of emotional, physical and financial stress. Resources are exhausted and the past due notices are mounting. The family and closest friends that were able, have helped as much as possible. Borrowing more is not an option because Larry would not be able to pay back what he needs. His wife Shannon is working as many long hours as she can. However she is having to miss days at work to be there for him.. trying to help him through this tough and trying life event. Regardless.. her income would never be enough to carry it all on its own.  There are 2 teenage children also in the home and Larry and Shannon are doing their best to keep their lives as unchanged as possible. 

I reach out now to ask for your help.
Please give if you are able.
Share on social media as much as possible.
All money raised will go completely to Larry Manuel.

                                  Thank You All.
                                               Susie Manuel