Hi, I’m Jakob and I’ve been best friends with Kevin Vega since fifth grade.

There’s no easy way to say this, but last month, Kevin found out he has cancer. It was completely unexpected, and since the discovery he’s been on leave from work. After weeks of waiting, tests, and consultations, his doctors diagnosed him with stage 4 advanced kidney cancer. It’s a rare form of cancer, but Kevin’s feeling positive and has support from his friends, family and loved ones.

His doctors have a treatment plan that included surgery to remove the tumors on Thursday. The surgery went well but it also meant Kevin had to lose his left kidney. What’s next for him is months of chemo that will leave him unable to work. It will be a tough road, so we decided it’s necessary to embark on the sacred American tradition of setting up a GoFundMe to help Kevin stay afloat during the coming months. He is just 32 years old and has a long life ahead of him.

He’s been a continuously generous, positive and supportive friend to so many. You’ve crowd surfed, drank gross craft beer and watched a baseball game with him and he could use you right now. Help us make sure Kevin’s got the cushion he needs to kick cancer’s ass.

Everything you donate will go straight to Kevin’s medical and living expenses.