Last March, our lives changed in a way we never could have imagined.

What looked like a small sliver on my dad’s foot turned out to be acral lentiginous melanoma — a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. From that moment on, nothing has been the same.

By late summer, my dad underwent surgery to remove the tumor from his heel. In the process, he lost the entire back half of his foot. That surgery marked the beginning of a year filled with constant hospital visits, reconstruction surgeries, painful rehabilitation, cancer treatments, endless tests, insurance battles, delays, and emotional exhaustion that never seems to let up.

Every day has become a waiting game — waiting for the next scan, the next phone call, the next result that feels like it could change everything.

Right before Christmas, during a routine PET scan, our family received devastating news. New growths were found on multiple organs. After biopsies, it was confirmed that the cancer had spread and progressed to stage 4.

Through all of this, my dad has remained unbelievably strong. Somehow, he continues to greet friends and family with a warm smile, even when we know how much pain and fear he carries. He is especially strong for his grandchildren, who are one of his greatest sources of motivation and joy.

Over the past year, my kids and I have been to more doctor appointments than I can count. I’ve spent countless hours sitting in surgical waiting rooms, holding my breath, praying, and trying to be strong while watching the strongest man I know fight the hardest battle of his life.

There is still hope. The incredible team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle has worked tirelessly to explore every possible option. One of those options is a Stage 3 clinical trial that would require my dad to spend extended time in Seattle. While we are grateful for this opportunity, the financial burden of travel, housing, medical expenses, and time away from work is overwhelming.

Asking for help is not something our family ever does lightly. My dad is the kind of man who has always put others first, never hesitating to show up when someone else was in need. Now, we are humbly asking for support on his behalf.

Any donation, share, or kind word helps lift some of the weight off his shoulders so he can focus on what truly matters — fighting this disease and spending precious time with the people he loves.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with our family during this incredibly difficult time.