John is now fighting against his 3rd kind of cancer. It started with prostate cancer that had progressed so far that it nearly killed him. That scenario left him with damaged kidneys and significantly reduced physical capacity. Then came bone cancer that has riddled him with pain for the past several years. Now it is colon cancer that is again threatening his life. Since recently starting chemo, he's been mostly bedridden and had multiple hospital stays.

Until recently, he managed to keep his business, Bubba's HomeBaked & Co., afloat - just barely. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible. After 41 years, he has no choice but to close the doors. It isn't because he can afford to or because he wants to. It's more collateral damage from his battle with cancer.

John and LouAnn have spent much of their lives helping others in need. Despite never having much of their own, they acted as if they had an abundance. From the very inception of the business, John's earliest employees were recently incarcerated individuals who he met through his "prison ministry" efforts as they began to rebuild their lives. Nary an employee came through the doors without a tough story and a real need. Some stayed a while, but there was generally somebody new. It would be hard to count them all. It was something akin to a young child who is always bringing home stray animals. John found them - or, depending on your perspective, God put them in his path. The truth is, they impacted our lives as much as we may have impacted theirs.

In addition to their own 3 children, John and LouAnn opened their home to foster children, eventually adopting 3 of them - all brothers - permanently expanding the family to 8. Their youngest son still lives with them.

LouAnn has not only her semi-dependent son at home, she is also the primary caregiver for her 95-year-old mother - and now for John as well. As if all that isn't enough for her to manage, she also works part-time to help cover the (growing) bills.

It would be nice to think that the world would recognize their lifelong contributions to others and help them in their time of need (even if it is an overly sentimental, optimistic view of the world). We hope you can offer some kind of contribution - even if it is simply a prayer.