My dad survived a rare cancer a decade ago—now it’s back. As he begins intense chemo and radiation, he and my family need help covering medical costs, meals, and transportation during treatment. Your support and prayers mean more than words can express.

Hi, my name is Michaela Palmer, and I’m fundraising on behalf of my dad, Kit, and our family. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story.

A little about my dad: he is the kind of person who shows up for everyone, quietly, consistently, and without ever asking for anything in return. He has been the steady center of our family for as long as I can remember. He loves running, soccer, good coffee, and most of all, caring for the people he loves. My parents, Kit and Tania, live on Johns Island just outside Charleston, where my mom has lived for many years with chronic fatigue and other long-term health issues, including a traumatic brain injury roughly 15 years ago resulting in seizures and ongoing problems with balance and memory. She is not able to drive, and my older sister, Johahna, who is autistic, also lives at home. My dad is their primary caregiver.

My two brothers and I live nearby. Christian works at a church in the Atlanta area, I’m a third-year medical student at MUSC, and Zachary is a sophomore studying Computer Science at the College of Charleston.

About a month ago, we received some devastating news. Nearly 11 years ago, my dad survived a rare cancer called Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, located in the hard palate of his mouth. In 2015 he underwent major surgery that removed his upper jaw, palate, and sinus tissue on the right side, followed by seven weeks of radiation. For years, his scans were clear, and he was eventually told they were no longer needed. But late last year he began experiencing persistent facial nerve pain. After many tests, an MRI revealed that the cancer has returned.

The cancer is spreading along nerves in his face, head, and optic area, which is unfortunately common with this disease. Because there is no single tumor to remove, surgery is not a viable option; attempting to extract all affected tissue would be extremely invasive and risky, with little added benefit. The hopeful news is that this cancer is slow growing, and it has not returned to the areas previously treated with radiation, an encouraging sign that the earlier treatment was effective.

Treatment Plan - Starting March 2nd, 2026:

• Radiation twice a day, five days a week, for 6½ weeks

• Chemotherapy once a week for six weeks, administered alongside radiation

His employer has generously allowed him to work remotely, but this will be his first time undergoing both chemo and radiation together, and we do not know how his body will handle it. Since he is the only driver, cook, and caregiver in my parents' home, this season will be incredibly challenging.

Our biggest needs right now include:

• Covering the out of pocket medical costs for treatment (estimates are around $10,000).

• Meals, as we’ll likely rely more on takeout/delivery during treatment. Please see MealTrain here , sign up for dates if interested.

• Transportation

If you’re able to contribute financially, it would be an enormous help and a tangible relief during this difficult time. If giving isn’t possible, we completely understand. More than anything, we deeply covet your prayers, for effective treatment, strength, endurance, grace and peace for our family as we walk this road together.

Thank you for caring and for supporting us. We are truly grateful.

With heartfelt thanks,

Michaela and the Palmer family