Hello everyone, my name is Natosha Cruz and I’m putting together this fundraiser for our good friends, Darrin and Stephanie Tims. Steph is normally very private, so I’m glad she agreed to let me do this! Unfortunately, they are both battling cancer right now and unable to work. Steph is always the first person to help others without asking or expecting anything in return, it will be such a blessing to help give them peace of mind and remove some of their burden, so they can focus on getting better. I’ve asked her to give me a story to share to help you understand their situation. We appreciate any help, especially your prayers!

Steph and Darrin’s Story

Darrin and I met in June of 2011, 6 months later we were married! I was a single mom of 9 years with one beautiful son, he had two wonderful, barely grown children as well. My stepdad introduced us and Darrin offered to mentor Peyton. We prayed and asked for God’s wisdom and knew it was the right thing. These last 11 plus years have been amazing. We’ve experienced life together, navigated the joyous peaceful seasons as well as the heart wrenching painful ones. Marriage and family life is such a high honor, even when it's messy!

It's tough to put into words the season we're in, but I’ve been asked to sum it up so I'll try my best.

Darrin was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 5 years ago. This past September we learned this cancer had metastasized into his bones. He has tried various treatments including a surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy, and injections to suppress the hormones which are believed to feed it. Unfortunately, his body had a severe reaction to the chemotherapy after only a few minutes, and we are told the likelihood of this happening again, and even worse, is very high. There is no medical cure at this time. The treatments being offered will extend his life, but are very difficult to endure. He has debilitating pain and fatigue. Medications help to some degree, but he is very limited in his ability to do physical activities.

About a month ago, to our shock and astonishment, I was also diagnosed with a more rare form of cancer called GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor). At the risk of sounding redundant, I’ll restate -we were in no way prepared for this diagnosis. After an episode of extreme abdominal pain which led to an emergency room visit it was discovered that I have two very large masses and a few other smaller ones in my abdominal cavity. My treatment regimen will include 3 months of chemotherapy followed by a surgery in which my team of surgeons hope to remove what is left of these masses. I am also unable to work. Darrin and I both have the ability to do some activities, for this we are extremely grateful. We both struggle with pain and fatigue, some days are better than others. We have been working with Social Security/Disability for over 6 months and hope Darrin will be approved for this soon.

We have deeply felt the love and support of friends and family in this season. We are amazed and overwhelmed at how God is using such a painful circumstance to open doors for stronger relationships, more time for reflection, and a deeper sense of appreciation for life.

People sometimes ask me, “What do you need? How can we help?” It's tough to be honest about our needs! The truth is, absolutely anything helps. We don't know when I will be able to work again, or when Darrin will be approved for Disability. We appreciate every person who can help in any way.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬

Steph and Darrin Tims