Hi everyone,

I'm writing this with a heavy but hopeful heart on behalf of my brother-in-law, George, who is currently battling aggressive Stage 3 prostate cancer. I'm usually on the other end of the Go Fund Me requests - donating and praying for others who need help. This time I'm humbly coming to you for help.

After a thorough evaluation, George's doctors recommended proton therapy — a highly targeted form of radiation that minimizes damage to healthy tissue (think about what's around the prostate) and reduces long-term side effects. It offers a much better outcome for his specific type and stage of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, George's insurance has denied coverage for the treatment, labeling it as “not medically necessary,” despite the overwhelming medical evidence and his doctor’s strong recommendation and appeal. That means the full cost of treatment — over $70,000 out-of-pocket — falls entirely on George.

Those of you who know George know that he would give the shirt off his back to help you and has done that for complete strangers! He's worked hard his whole life and has always been there for our family and his friends, but this news and cost is too much for him to bear alone. He's being forced to choose between going into crippling debt or forgoing the treatment that could give him the best chance at beating this cancer (which is now outside of the prostate in surrounding tissues).

I've set up this GoFundMe to try and raise the funds needed to get him access to the care he urgently needs. Every dollar will go directly toward covering the cost of proton therapy, medication, and related medical expenses. Right now, he's paying $100 per pill to slow the cancer until he can start treatment, which adds up as you can imagine. If we don't raise the money, he will begin radiation therapy in two weeks, which has significant side effects and risks that proton therapy does not.

Any little bit, whether it's money, prayers, and/or sharing this with others will be greatly appreciated. An encouraging word to inspire him will go a long way as well.

Your support—whether financial, emotional, or spiritual—means the world to us right now. I promise my prayers for you in gratitude for your most generous act of charity. I know, like you, I have many people I love who have courageously fought cancer. Feel free to give a gift in their honor and I promise my prayers for them as well!

We’re holding onto hope, and with your help, we believe we can get him the treatment he needs and deserves.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

P.S. I did this on my own, but did get permission in the end from George. But, he had no thought at all to ask others for help. He's willing to accept what comes his way, but I want the best for him because he deserves it. I always think back fondly at the times I'd visit my mom and notice something was fixed in the house or yard and she'd always start with, "George stopped by ...."

I know my mom is looking down on George, praying for him, and encouraging him.

Thank you, again, my friends. May God bless and reward your generosity!