Hi everyone, this is Melissa. In 2023, our lives changed forever when my husband, Carman, was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Like so many families facing cancer, we entered a world of surgeries, chemotherapy, scans, hospital stays, and uncertainty. Carman underwent multiple surgeries and months of treatment.

When his treatment ended, we were hopeful that the hardest part of this journey was behind us. He recovered, returned to work, and continued attending regular follow-up appointments.

Unfortunately, during one of those routine follow-ups, doctors discovered that his cancer had returned.

Once again, our family was faced with difficult decisions. Carman completed several more months of chemotherapy to shrink the recurrence before undergoing another major surgery.

In April 2026, surgeons at Emory Winship Cancer Institute performed an extensive operation to remove the recurrent cancer. During the same surgery, they also performed a complex abdominal wall reconstruction because of the damage left from his previous surgeries including multiple hernias. It was a complex procedure, but we are incredibly thankful the surgery was successful.

Carman has spent months recovering from surgery with surgical drains, daily wound care, and ongoing follow-up appointments. Although healing has been slow, we are thankful that he continues to improve little by little each day.

Throughout all of this, Carman has remained determined, positive, and incredibly strong. His faith, along with the love and support from family, friends, and so many kind people, has helped carry us through some very difficult months.

While we are grateful for the progress he has made, the financial impact of this journey continues. Between months away from work, repeated surgeries, chemotherapy, frequent travel to Emory for specialized cancer care, medications, and ongoing medical expenses, the burden has been significant.

If you are able to support our family through a donation, sharing this fundraiser or keeping Carman in your prayers we would be deeply greatful.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for standing beside our family throughout this journey. Your kindness, encouragement, prayers, and generosity have meant more than words can ever express.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Melissa, Carman & Family