Help Cary beat Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Hi, our name’s are Alicia G. Tanrath and Angela Lia Gieser and we are Cary Tanrath's sisters. On behalf of our big brother, Cary, and his family, we are fundraising for the overwhelming costs that he and his family will incur while battling Stage 4 Stomach Cancer.

On September 1, 2021 (his birthday), Cary was diagnosed with Stage 4 Stomach Cancer – a grim prognosis which typically means 2-3 months to live if not treated and controlled. After a recent full body CT scan, the tests show that the stomach cancer has metastasized and spread from his stomach to his liver, left lung, several lymph nodes and adrenal glands. It is with heavy hearts that my family calls upon all of our family and friends for support.

This past week (September 20, 2021), Cary underwent an aggressive treatment plan of both chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions to start the long battle.

Cary has faced many challenges but with his can-do attitude, sense of humor and incredible loving heart; we are optimistic that he can meet this challenge with his eyes wide open, heart full of love and trust and faith in God. His condition is critical and his recovery will be a grueling journey. I find it ironic that Cary, a retired ARMY soldier, with 20 years of life experiences and travels around the world is preparing to go into battle, his toughest fight ever against cancer. With treatment and proper care and God’s healing hands, we are hopeful we can assist Cary in beating this type of cancer and extend his life.

Our father suffered from heart disease (eventually succumbing to a heart attack at age 44) forcing Cary to become a "Man" at an early age and care for his two younger siblings. Many times Cary made us PB & J sandwiches, carried our soiled diapers or helped us with our homework, and our chores so that Mommy could turn her attention to caring for our father and other more pressing issues. Our brother is and always will be our first and best friend, confidant, and biggest supporter. Our daddy would be proud of the man he is today.

As most of you already know, Cary has always been a true leader and a "soldier's soldier."

Our big brother proudly served his country for 20 years as an active duty guardsman and traditional part-time soldier, fulfilling different positions such as a Battalion Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) non-commissioned officer (NCO), Battalion Master Gunner and Company 1SG (First Sergeant) for the Montana ARMY National Guard, with the 1/163rd Infantry Battalion.

As a NBC soldier, Cary did all of his specialty schooling at Fort McClellan, AL from 1984-1998. Ironically many of the soldiers that served and trained there have succumbed to various types of cancers due to ground seepage of various chemicals and pesticides that contaminated the drinking water that those soldiers consumed. Also, being a trained NBC soldier, our brother worked at different ARMY posts (Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele Army Depot, etc.) where various types of contaminated substances, agents, and gasses had been stored. Although our brother doesn't regret the specialty he held in the ARMY and the tasks he was involved in, it does raise some questions as to what he was exposed to and if it had any contributing factors regarding his cancer. The family has encouraged Cary to open a medical case with the VA regarding his recent cancer diagnosis.

After 25 years my brother married his high school best friend, Carol Parker, and began a new life in Savannah, GA. They have three beautiful girls, Jacquie (33 years old), Melinda (31 years old) and Rylie (16 years old). As proud as he is of his military service he is most proud and honored to be a husband to Carol and dad to the girls.

Cary began his own handy-man service, "Odd-Job," which he self-started to fill a niche in Savannah. His business focused mainly on serving veterans and elderly/widowed/single clients. His integrity, pride in his work and professionalism kept his customers not only returning but also spreading the word of his business. Our brother has been actively involved with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia for numerous years. He started as a volunteer and today is the Association Maintenance Director for this organization. A large part of his decision to work for the Y, was driven by the hope of spending more time with his daughters and wife, along with his YMCA family.

The coming months will be overwhelming mentally, emotionally and physically challenging to Cary and his family, but we can help alleviate some of these woes by aiding him financially. Please join us in supporting Cary by funding the upcoming costs associated with this intensive and aggressive treatment plan prescribed or suggested by his physicians that are not covered by the Veterans Administration care.

Lastly, my brother’s strength, positive attitude and trust in God amazes me. If you have ever met Cary, you will fall in love with him. Cary has the most generous heart. So many have asked “what can I do” and many have suggested this as a way to help with the expenses related to his heart breaking battle. Our brother is very private with his struggles but when it comes to giving his love to others it has no limits.

Please keep Cary and our family in your prayers. Whatever you can give will be appreciated and may GOD bless you.

For further information regarding my brothers condition and his battle go to www.caringbridge.org