Friends of Daryl F Medical Fund

Daryl is a dear friend of mine and the most hard working person I know.  He has been struggling with cancer since last fall, and things are getting much worse.  He is the sole supporter of his family of four, his son, 11, his daughter 14, and his wife of 14 years.  He is also the father of 4 grown sons and  2 grandchildren.  He is completely unable to work and starting on disability, even though he has worked through tremendous pain and suffering before this, but it is beyond even that now. 

 Their story is especially poignant due to the fact that 16 years ago he completely turned his life around by getting clean and sober.  He reconnected with his children, fell in love, and started a new family.  He is the devoted father and husband he always wanted to be.  I was lucky enough to be a witness to this transformation, and my family and his share a special bond.

 

His wife Barbara is also my dear friend for over 20 years.  Both she and her son also have life challenges.  She is diabetic and struggles with her own health and pain dilemmas.  Their son is an extremely sweet and empathetic boy, but has his own challenges with learning.  Their daughter is a gifted volleyball player, and starting high school with this dark cloud hanging over her.

 

Daryl is doing intense chemotherapy now, and the doctors are not giving much hope.  There is an alternative treatment which does offer hope, but insurance does not pay for it and at this point, all money must go to his family’s survival.