As many of you know, I have been having major health issues and I have only been able to work for 3 weeks out of the last 6 months. In the last 6 months, I've spent 51 days in the hospital. I have had my lungs drained 9 times, I've had 3 biopsies, two platelet transfusions, one blood transfusion, and countless other tests and procedures. I was finally diagnosed last week with Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman's Disease with TAFRO. Castleman's is a rare disease and only 5,000 people a year are diagnosed with it. There is no cure for this disease and 33% of patients with this disease will die in the first 5 years, 66% within the first 10 years. I will be starting treatment the week before Thanksgiving. I will go in for treatment every two weeks for the next 6 months.

I have always been the one helping out others and I am the last person to ask for help, but I have no choice. Not being able to work for the last 6 months has put my family in major financial strain, on top of the $240,000 in hospital bills I have accumulated. We are behind on all of our bills and things will only get worse as I go through treatment the next 6 months. The last 6 months have taken a toll on our family, especially our 4 children. I am asking for help so I can focus on my health while I go through treatment and so my family can enjoy the holidays.

Times are tough for everyone today and I understand. So if you can't help financially, it's ok, but I ask that you please keep my family in your prayers as I try to fight this disease and get back on my feet. I will continue to trust in God, who continues to give me strength in this storm. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to anyone who reads this. May God bless you and your family.