Help Ease Ray's Fight with Blood Cancer

UPDATE: on Ray’s diagnosis. He received multiple rounds of chemotherapy and remained in the hospital since May. He suffered from many infections while his body was trying to fight the cancer and was in the ICU for quite some time. He also was provided a feeding tube as he had loss his appetite and wasn’t gaining enough nutrition. He was too weak to walk or care for himself and was completely dependent on the staff. After the final round of chemotherapy, bloodwork came back with good numbers. Chemotherapy stopped for a short time to see if his body could sustain without chemo. He recently had more testing and discovered that the cancer is still active, but he is too weak to receive anymore chemotherapy at this time. The other day, his feeding tube was removed and he was transferred to a rehab facility, where he is receiving occupational and physical therapy to regain his strength and endurance. For the first time in a month and a half, he was able to stand and walk with assistance. He still a long road of recovery ahead of him and will be meeting with his oncologist to determine his future treatment plans. Please continue to keep Ray in your thoughts and prayers. My family appreciates all of you that have donated to ease the financial burden ❤️

Our Uncle Ray was recently diagnosed with AML, acute myeloid lymphoma, the worst of the blood cancers to have. His prognosis is considered poor. He has been in the hospital for the past 4 weeks, has already gotten a round of chemo, and will be receiving another round this coming week. We are awaiting the bone marrow results for but won’t receive them for several more days, which will show to what degree the chemo has helped. Due to needing to receive another round of chemo, we are looking at least another month in the hospital.

Ray is one of those people who being in their mere presence makes you feel better—a true breath of fresh air. Despite the hardships he has already endured, like mourning the tragic loss of his son some years back, he still radiates kindness, joy, and selflessness. Although he is surrounded and being poured into by family during his fight against cancer, the weight of medical expenses along with normal bills are beginning to set in and pile up astoundingly fast. As a single man who supports himself and can’t work due to the severity of his cancer, the debt he will face following treatment is devastatingly large. For perspective, a single dose of chemo costs thousands of dollars.

Ray had been out of work since his diagnosis. Anticipating the likelihood that he will be in the hospital for the foreseeable future, we are collecting monetary donations to help lessen his financial burden while he fights for his life. Anything helps, big or small. Sharing this gofundme along with prayers are appreciated greatly.