A Miracle for Our Dad
Donation protected
A father, a husband, a son, a brother, and the coolest papa with the biggest heart. We have always been his girls and he has always been our biggest fan. He is the most outgoing person and can always make everyone laugh (whether you’re laughing with him or at him he doesn’t care). He is the best papa to his grandkids and always has a magic trick in store. We lost our Aunt (Joe’s sister) to cancer, just five short years ago and we never expected to hear that horrible C word again. Yet, here we are, receiving the worst news any family wants to hear for the second time! It’s been one of the hardest months of our lives and it’s been difficult for us to even find the courage to write this.
On August 22 our Dad, Joe Moriarty, was suffering from back pain, shortness of breath, and pain in his leg. As we were all enjoying our usual family lake time, we noticed our dad was not quite himself and of course our first worry was COVID. If you know Joe, you know that he is stubborn, never calls in sick, and will “suck it up” to avoid going to the doctors. He knew it was not COVID, so when he requested to go see a doctor, we knew something was not right. After several doctors appointments, three Covid tests, blood draws, and CT scans (which were all very challenging due to Covid and all the restrictions) results first came back as blood clots in his lungs and leg. This of course, was not great news, as blood clots can be super dangerous, but something we believed Dad would get rid of. As the days went by, his pain worsened, so another CT scan was scheduled and this is when our worst nightmare became reality. Our dad at age 59, was diagnosed with stage IV Pancreatic Cancer, which is one of the most aggressive, painful, and incurable cancers. We were so devastated and knew this was going to be a huge battle and that dad literally had to fight only to prolong his life.
At this point, our hearts are broken and we feel completely hopeless, as we watch our dad‘s body weaken, turn pale, and lay so fragile. We are waiting patiently for his next appointment on Tuesday, to determine what type of treatment plan the doctors recommend, in hopes that it slows the progression of the cancer and gives him more time here on Earth. Due to all of this, our father is unable to work and our mother has had to take a small leave from work to become Dad’s caregiver. When she does return to work, it’s not going to be easy, as she’ll have to come home on her breaks to check on Dad and to take him to his treatments. Kendra and I want to help our parents as much as possible so that while facing these difficult times of heartbreak and uncertainty, finances will not become a major added stress. All money raised will go towards medical expenses, treatments, living expenses, and it kills us to say this, but funeral expenses. Any donation, no matter how small or how big is greatly appreciated. Our goal is to simply take away the added stress of financial costs, so that we can spend, enjoy, and make as many memories as possible as a family, before Dad‘s time comes to an end.
Although the prognosis of his disease is far from positive, we remain hopeful, have strengthened our faith, and have turned to our Lord, knowing he is in control. God is the ultimate healer and through this journey we pray he takes away Dad’s pain, prolongs his life here on Earth, and gives us the wisdom to make whatever choices come our way. God is our courage and strength as we take this one day at a time. We want to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support you have given us. We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives and we know that NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE and we are praying for God‘s MIRACLE!
Love,
The Moriarty Family
On August 22 our Dad, Joe Moriarty, was suffering from back pain, shortness of breath, and pain in his leg. As we were all enjoying our usual family lake time, we noticed our dad was not quite himself and of course our first worry was COVID. If you know Joe, you know that he is stubborn, never calls in sick, and will “suck it up” to avoid going to the doctors. He knew it was not COVID, so when he requested to go see a doctor, we knew something was not right. After several doctors appointments, three Covid tests, blood draws, and CT scans (which were all very challenging due to Covid and all the restrictions) results first came back as blood clots in his lungs and leg. This of course, was not great news, as blood clots can be super dangerous, but something we believed Dad would get rid of. As the days went by, his pain worsened, so another CT scan was scheduled and this is when our worst nightmare became reality. Our dad at age 59, was diagnosed with stage IV Pancreatic Cancer, which is one of the most aggressive, painful, and incurable cancers. We were so devastated and knew this was going to be a huge battle and that dad literally had to fight only to prolong his life.
At this point, our hearts are broken and we feel completely hopeless, as we watch our dad‘s body weaken, turn pale, and lay so fragile. We are waiting patiently for his next appointment on Tuesday, to determine what type of treatment plan the doctors recommend, in hopes that it slows the progression of the cancer and gives him more time here on Earth. Due to all of this, our father is unable to work and our mother has had to take a small leave from work to become Dad’s caregiver. When she does return to work, it’s not going to be easy, as she’ll have to come home on her breaks to check on Dad and to take him to his treatments. Kendra and I want to help our parents as much as possible so that while facing these difficult times of heartbreak and uncertainty, finances will not become a major added stress. All money raised will go towards medical expenses, treatments, living expenses, and it kills us to say this, but funeral expenses. Any donation, no matter how small or how big is greatly appreciated. Our goal is to simply take away the added stress of financial costs, so that we can spend, enjoy, and make as many memories as possible as a family, before Dad‘s time comes to an end.
Although the prognosis of his disease is far from positive, we remain hopeful, have strengthened our faith, and have turned to our Lord, knowing he is in control. God is the ultimate healer and through this journey we pray he takes away Dad’s pain, prolongs his life here on Earth, and gives us the wisdom to make whatever choices come our way. God is our courage and strength as we take this one day at a time. We want to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support you have given us. We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives and we know that NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE and we are praying for God‘s MIRACLE!
Love,
The Moriarty Family
Organizer
Nicole Moriarty
Organizer
Milliken, CO