Hi, my name is Nicole. One of Marks daughters. If you know my dad, you know the struggle he’s been through the past two years with aggressive lung cancer. Unfortunately, the news we’ve received recently from the doctors seems to imply his time left with us may be shorter than we had hoped for as all of markers are rare and aggressive and don’t qualify him for many clinical trials. He tried Chemo but unfortunately it didn’t impact the spread of cancer the way we had hoped. His doctors have taken it off the table as an option moving forward. I have prayed over this as much as I can. I’m leaving everything in Gods hands, but we know that his will works through people and so I’m here to ask a favor …

If you feel moved to help us, we would be eternally grateful.

My dad has mentioned wanting to see the ocean from California before his condition worsens to the point of immobility, as well as take a family trip together. ( due to finances, time and other obligations we have never had a family trip together.)

I am hoping we can make that possible and do both by taking a family trip to California and stay somewhere near the ocean so he can finally get that view. He has grandchildren that I know would love having a memory like this to look back on one day, and so would we. It would mean more than anything I could put into words to do this for him. If I were in the position to financially carry this I would, but unfortunately we’re not.

I have been very leery about doing anything fundraising related because I know it puts a bad taste in some peoples mouth. I understand. But my dad worked his entire life away from us to try to provide. He’s worked every day I’ve known him until this cancer took his health and forced his hand with disability.

I want to give him back a piece of time; not just with us but with his grandchildren. To create a memory with him that will give him a brief escape from circumstances. I think he deserves it.

whatever money is raised will be used for flights, a place to stay and rental vehicle (hopefully in California) but if not there, somewhere he can see an ocean.

I’m not a professional at writing these things, and I apologize if any of this is poorly worded. We’re all struggling with recent news, and we simply want to make the most of the time we have left.

I know the amount of money is pretty steep. A quick google of flight costs for 9 people and lodging made it a bit more than I had originally expected. I know gofundme will take a portion of what’s donated as well, though I’m unsure of how much. 

Whatever we do receive will be used to plan a vacation somewhere for him, so he can be comfortable with all of his kids and grandchildren, hopefully with a view of the ocean for him. 

any advice or suggestions on locations, lodging, how to find deals on travel expenses with so many people etc is VERY welcomed and appreciated.

thank you in advance for any kindness you show.

Trusting in gods plan and his will over our lives and present circumstances above all else.