We have kept this private until now as we were still trying to process everything ourselves.

On November 7th, Leighton told me he felt a lump in his throat. At the time, it didn’t seem very large, and we hoped it might be something minor like a cyst. Over the next several weeks, we were sent from doctor to doctor—his primary care physician, an ENT who did not handle these cases, then another otolaryngologist who finally got the ball rolling and referred us to Dr. Kwon at Keck Hospital of USC. By that point, we learned that Leighton had an aggressive tumor that had grown rapidly in just a few weeks. His voice had become barely audible.

Exactly four weeks after Leighton first mentioned the lump, on December 5th, he underwent a total laryngectomy. This surgery removed his voice box, meaning Leighton will never be able to speak in his natural voice again. One week later, he was released from the hospital, and since then we’ve been adjusting to an entirely new reality. Somehow, we have been managing me being his full-time caregiver while I continue to work full-time as well.

Leighton was diagnosed with Stage 3 laryngeal cancer. While the surgeons were able to achieve clean margins and remove two lymph nodes, they also found concerning cancer cells. Because of this, Leighton will need 6½ weeks of radiation along with chemotherapy. The next few months are going to be extremely challenging for him.

The medical bills have already started coming in. We’ve been trying to schedule as many appointments and obtain medical supplies before the end of the year, since our insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum reset on January 1st. Unfortunately, we do not qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. Despite paying over $600 a month for health insurance, we still face a high deductible and significant out-of-pocket costs.

We know that money is tight for many people, and we completely understand if you’re unable to help financially. If you are able, any amount—no matter how small—is deeply appreciated. Donations will go directly toward medical bills and ongoing care. Prayers, positive thoughts, and words of encouragement also mean more to us than we can express.

We still have a long fight ahead, and we are grateful for any support during this journey.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.