My dad, Eugene, fought a long and difficult battle with Stage 4 esophagus cancer. He went through three different types of chemotherapy, and during his third round, his health began to decline rapidly. The treatments made him extremely sick and weak, and he developed painful mouth sores that made it nearly impossible for him to eat. As time went on, he lost his appetite, became confused, and spent most of his days sleeping. Eventually, he was unable to walk, and my mom and I had to get him to the hospital.

When we arrived at the hospital, we learned that his cancer had spread aggressively and was taking over his body. He was in total kidney failure, and his heart was functioning at only 15-20%. Within a couple of days, his heart grew even weaker. The doctors told us that even if he had survived, he would have had to stop chemotherapy. After learning the full extent of his condition, my mom and I made the heartbreaking decision to place him in palliative care. The hospital staff kept him comfortable and sedated until he passed away on November 29th.

Now, we are facing the cost of his cremation, and we cannot receive his ashes until the cost is paid in full. My mom is unable to work, and I am a stay-at-home mom of three children. My husband is the only one working, and the financial burden is overwhelming. My mom depended on my dad, and I was always a daddy’s girl. Without your help, everything falls on my husband’s shoulders. I believe God has a reason for everything, and I know my dad was loved by many in our community. Any support you can give will help us bring him home and honor his memory. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.