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Growing up I always looked up to my father and his brother, my uncle, Gerard. Gerard was everything I wanted to be funny, good looking, and athletic (plus he was a lefty like myself). When we would get together as a family both my father and Gerard elevated the atmosphere. They always controlled the room with the unforgettable stories and laughter that was contagious.
In the summer of 2015 we went on our annual trip to North Carolina to visit my fathers family. As usual we were all in a celebratory mood, but Gerard was complaining about his elbow and "fluid" that was building up. We pestered him to get it checked, and once he did the results were devastating.
It turns out my uncle has a rare form of cancer known as spindle cell sarcoma. Initial treatment was radiation, which did not slow the progression. After a couple of months the mass had become a five pound tumor that they removed with surgery. In the weeks following surgery chemotherapy was used to combat the return since they discovered the cancer had invaded a lymph node in his arm.
Unfortunately the cancer came back aggressively and resulted in the loss of his left arm and shoulder.
Since that surgery the tumors have spread to his chest cavity, back, and lungs. He started immunotherapy, but have since switched back to Chemo due to the nature of he tumors. In just over a years time Gerard as completed five surgeries with a sixth on the way.
My uncle is a fighter, he's shown so much strength and courage throughout this process it's unfathomable to believe. On my last visit to him he was still joking and laughing with us even though his pain is excruciating.
The reason I started this page is because my uncle needs adjustments to his home (bathroom, steps, etc.) to make it more accessible for him to get around. Furthermore the need for my Aunt Laura to help assist at every turn has been beyond stressful. Soon she will return back to work and extra assistance for his care will be needed. I am asking for support, prayers, and anything you can donate for an absolute great cause!
Gerard doesn't know I'm making this, but all proceeds will go directly to the care of my Uncle. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and every little bit helps! I will post updates and a new picture when I see him next. Thanks again and God Bless!
In the summer of 2015 we went on our annual trip to North Carolina to visit my fathers family. As usual we were all in a celebratory mood, but Gerard was complaining about his elbow and "fluid" that was building up. We pestered him to get it checked, and once he did the results were devastating.
It turns out my uncle has a rare form of cancer known as spindle cell sarcoma. Initial treatment was radiation, which did not slow the progression. After a couple of months the mass had become a five pound tumor that they removed with surgery. In the weeks following surgery chemotherapy was used to combat the return since they discovered the cancer had invaded a lymph node in his arm.
Unfortunately the cancer came back aggressively and resulted in the loss of his left arm and shoulder.
Since that surgery the tumors have spread to his chest cavity, back, and lungs. He started immunotherapy, but have since switched back to Chemo due to the nature of he tumors. In just over a years time Gerard as completed five surgeries with a sixth on the way.
My uncle is a fighter, he's shown so much strength and courage throughout this process it's unfathomable to believe. On my last visit to him he was still joking and laughing with us even though his pain is excruciating.
The reason I started this page is because my uncle needs adjustments to his home (bathroom, steps, etc.) to make it more accessible for him to get around. Furthermore the need for my Aunt Laura to help assist at every turn has been beyond stressful. Soon she will return back to work and extra assistance for his care will be needed. I am asking for support, prayers, and anything you can donate for an absolute great cause!
Gerard doesn't know I'm making this, but all proceeds will go directly to the care of my Uncle. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and every little bit helps! I will post updates and a new picture when I see him next. Thanks again and God Bless!
Organizer and beneficiary
Gerard Ciquera
Beneficiary