Gold Family Fight for Cancer

LeGrand Gold, age 48, is a loving husband and father living in Orem, UT. He has 5 children with his wife Alice; Abigail(24), Sophia(21), Isabella(20), Caroline(14), and Maximus(9). LeGrand loves spending time with his kids, watching anything and everything NBA related and going to state and national parks with his family. He enjoys listening to music by Natalie Merchant, Dolly Parton and Nora Jones. He is a sweet tempered and a quiet man but always has the best comedic timing and never fails to make you laugh. He is the grounding rock of his family and loved and adored by all. He works as a computer programmer for Conservice in Logan and Alice works as a 5th-year 8th grade English teacher. The two work to bring in the needed income for the family’s life expenses, numerous student loans and now medical bills.

In early November 2021, LeGrand went in for a colonoscopy after having some bowel issues to hopefully get some answers. The results he got were a surprise to all considering his age and being in relatively good health, as he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. The cancer had spread from his colon to the surrounding lymph nodes as well as his liver. It was apparent that the cancer was severe and had been in his body for a number of years before being diagnosed. He had a port installed in his chest and started chemotherapy the week before Christmas in 2021. His team of doctors put him on an aggressive chemotherapy and he has gone almost every 2 weeks to receive 7-hour transfusions as well as being sent home with a pump in his port for 42-hours after which his wife removes at home. He’s done this almost 40 times. Chemotherapy isn’t easy for anyone and it has definitely taken its toll on LeGrand and his family. It has caused side effects of constant nausea, mouth sores, cold sensitivity and general fatigue and discomfort. It has caused his appetite to worsen and as a result has lost a significant amount of weight. He’s had three surgeries, radiation, and other procedures over the last 2 years. Typically he has at least one doctor’s appointment every week - usually closer to two.

All of his cancer treatments have hindered his abilities to be present in day to day life and has placed a lot of stress on the family, yet even through so many hard side effects, LeGrand continued to work until September 2023. He is now on disability - only after being told he is in the beginning stages of liver failure and the prognosis of less than 6 months to live. Even though he signed up for short-term disability through his company, he will only receive 60% of his income after taking two months without any pay. After 90 days, he will need to quit his job - resulting in a loss of his medical insurance. The brain fog that comes from a diseased liver and the very painful water retention made it really difficult for him to continue programming.

The Gold family have been a friend to all and are always willing to give service to everyone they meet and know. Even with all of life’s challenges they have faced they have always stayed positive and tried to see the positive in life. While this trial of cancer has not been easy, LeGrand has continued to try to provide for his family and show up whenever he can for various events such as junior high choir concerts and plays, help with homework, elementary school drop off, mission call opening and temple sealing. While these events are challenging and often take all his energy he knows the importance of showing up now because there might not be a next time.

The funds that are donated to the Gold Family will go toward medical expenses, the financial needs of the family, and the anticipated funeral costs.

If you would prefer to use Venmo as a source for donation, here is the link to Alice’s venmo https://venmo.com/u/AliceWGold.