Rich’s Fearless Fight: Battling Stage Four Lung and Brain Cancer. 

I want to start off by thanking you all for taking the time to read my story.  It all started on February 23, 2021. I woke up that morning with a headache and my face was numb. I went to the ER and they told me to immediately go to MD Anderson. Long story short, I was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma Stage Four Lung Cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer has metastasized to my brain, liver, lymph-nodes, and tonsils. 

Some back story. In September 2019, due to the pandemic, my job slowly but surely started to fade resulting in being laid off. I lost all medical insurance, my two vehicles were repossessed, and if that wasn’t bad enough, I was taking care of my father who had prostate cancer. Thankfully, MD Anderson offers financial assistance, and I am currently in the process of getting approved; however, there are still expenses to cover out of pocket. 

The money that I am trying to raise will help, significantly, withmedications (approximately $300-$400 a month), transportation to and from treatments, and living expenses while in treatment and unable to work full-time. 

The good news is I have already undergone Gamma Knife Radiation Technology (noninvasive surgery) with amazing results. This technology gives direct radiation treatment to the center of the tumor. It’s MRI guided so it’s very precise. It killed nine tumors in my brain, which increased my life expectancy! However, my body is currently fighting a bacterial infection which will require lots of antibiotics in and out of the hospital. I am due to be released from the hospital on March 21st(approximately). The plan is to treat the infection first by means of antibiotics, probably through PICC line or oral antibiotics.Once clear of the infection, chemo, immuno and mutation therapy can begin.  The concern is that once released from the hospital, the cost of medications etc., is out of pocket so I am sure you can understand where the dire need is resonating from. 

Again, thank you all for taking to time to read my story and most of all, for your prayers and generosity. I know times are tough right now for so many people so any amount is a gift and blessing. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to either myself or my wife, Jennifer, if you have any questions or concerns. I’m truly blessed and grateful for you all. God speed.