Help Fulfill Gary's Final Wish

My name is Pamela Kelsey-Lepper. I am the youngest sister of Gary Smith. Recently, he has been given the worst news anyone could possibly hear: Cancer. He has been given less than 6 months. He has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes and his adrenal glands. He is currently on full hospice. Let me tell you our family’s story.

There were 9 of us kids: Dale, Dennis, Sandy, Tammy, Gary, Melissa, Bobby, Betty, and me. We lost our father to cancer in 1991. He was only 61 when he passed. Two short years later, we lost our mother to cancer in 1993. We have also lost Dale and Dennis to cancer. Many siblings grow apart. Not ours. We have stayed together and have always had an unbreakable bond, and we have always taken care of each other.

My brother Gary lived in Seattle, Washington. A skilled artist and a skilled landscaper, he was very sought after. He was thriving, eventually starting his own landscaping business. Gary was bad about taking care of himself and seeking medical treatment. His health had worsened, suffering from diabetes that was left untreated. We ended up losing contact with him for several years. We found out that he had lost everything and had ended up homeless. I got a message from him saying he was in the hospital and got the cancer diagnosis. Valley Hospital in Renton, WA, was absolutely amazing. They stayed in contact with us and let us know when he would be discharged. That day, we flew him home to Missouri so he could be with his family. The hospital even transported him to the airport!

Gary has chosen not to seek treatment. Already seeing so many of our loved ones fight this, he does not want to go through the same thing.

His only wish is to be buried with our parents. Unfortunately, he does not have life insurance.

Our family is asking for help to make this happen.

Please donate even if it’s $1. It all adds up.

Thank you