“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Dear friends, family, and those God moves to give,

On May 6th, my world shifted. Pathology confirmed that I have Signet Ring Cell Gastric Adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of gastric cancer. This diagnosis came after months of unexplained and worsening stomach pain. For nearly six months, I was being treated for what was believed to be ulcers, but deep down, I feared something more serious. Out of pride, and honestly, fear, I pushed off further testing. I had already lost 25 pounds and was eating maybe 1,000 calories a day due to the pain and tumor blockage.

It wasn’t until one late night in April, when my wife Amanda, our rock, dragged me to the ER, that things began to move. An EGD followed, where a gastric tumor was discovered. Sixteen biopsies were taken from my lower esophagus and stomach that’s when the truth we feared became real.

The initial PET scan showed that the cancer, while aggressive, is contained to the stomach and has completely infiltrated the stomach lining; my scan looked like an orange halo. The treatment journey began immediately. I’m now preparing for my fourth round of FLOT chemotherapy (5-FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, and Docetaxel) on July 31st. On August 12th, we’ll follow up with another PET and CT scan to determine whether we move forward with more chemo or proceed with a total gastrectomy, removal of the entire stomach.

Through it all, I’m learning to lean not on my understanding of things: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

I know God is with me. He has sustained me through every scan, every lab, every hard conversation, and He has reminded me that asking for help is not weakness, it’s humility. Scripture is clear: when we deny others the opportunity to give or serve, we deny them the blessing of obedience. I don’t want to block that blessing (thank you to the men of Champions in Christ Ministry for beating this out of me, LOL).

Thanks to my military service, the VA has stepped up and covered a significant portion of my care. I am deeply grateful for that. However, there are expenses insurance may not cover in the short term, including out-of-state consults, genetic testing, alternative and combination therapies, specialized surgeons, and travel to Centers of Excellence. These costs are real and rising.

We know that God often works through people, and He reminds us in Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Right now, Amanda, our kids, and I are walking a path we never expected, and your support through giving, prayer, or simply sharing, helps carry this burden. We are deeply thankful for every act of love extended. This next phase of care may take us across the country. It will stretch our time, our finances, and our faith, but we know we are not alone.

In faith and with deep gratitude,

Josh Kushen