So why am I here?

Hello friends, First and foremost, it is hard to talk about this. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone here to let you know I'm fighting for my life and am asking for your help.

I have been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Stage 3, A tumor in a salivary gland without unknown origin. It's starting to metastasize into surrounding lymph nodes and jawline. Let me tell you a little about myself.

I started my journey one year ago when I realized I had a lump on the right side of my neck. I also had a sore throat, but I usually am a pretty healthy person, but this lump kept growing and growing. The sore throat never went away. I went to see several doctors over several months, tests scans and then when you get a chilling diagnosis from your doctor telling you, "I have bad news." The look on his face when he tells you, "I'm sorry to tell you this, but you have cancer." What a spiral of emotions filled my heart, mind and soul. It's tough writing this without crying, but I know I have to stay positive.

Two doctors here have referred me to UCLA Health in California to specialists who can do the surgery. I will have to do it here now since my health care ended. They also want me to do possibly radiation, chemo, and immunotherapy. The doctors aren't giving me hope, and they don't know how the surgery will go or if they can even complete it because of where the tumor is. I also found an alternative treatment near San Diego, California, that I will try also.

I worked in a call center, and I had to take time off because it hurt to talk for long periods. I eventually was let go and lost my health care insurance. I don't have a lot of financial support here, no family here, just my friend I live with and my parents in Idaho. This diagnosis has kept me out of work and struggling to keep what life I have created here. I hope to have a family someday, start a business, and live my life as you all do.

As you may see, my life has radically changed emotionally, financially and physically. I want to live as long as I can, my mom was just diagnosed with skin cancer, and I want to be there for her and my family, as they are here for me. She just went through surgery also. She Has a goat farm I may have to move back to Idaho to help with. I can also be there for her and my Dad if I can beat this. They are 82.

God has given me this path to learn something, and I'm not giving up! I embrace it.

It appears the cancer is not slowing down, and I need treatment as soon as possible. With your help, you can walk with me on my journey and me with you.

Any donation will help benefit my cause, pay for treatments, medications, travel expenses needed, and living expenses. I ask for your help, so 5, 10, 20, 100 dollars would greatly help me get the treatment I need to beat cancer. Even prayers! I am so grateful for God and all the support I get from you. Much gratitude and love.