My name is Denise and if you know me, you know how much my dad means to me. My dad has been a fighter since the day he was born. He has taken care of everyone around him since he could see straight. He turns 67 years old this year and is still working overtime to make sure everyone around him is good. He is a helper to his core. Which also means he does not ask for help.

My dad has won many battles in his life. However, in 2012 a new devastating battle presented itself; Cancer. I was a freshman in high school and my brother was only a 4th grader. My dad began this battle in secret. He didn’t want my brother and me to worry or deal with the stress of having a sick parent. By the time I found out about his Cancer, he had been fighting the battle for 4 years and he was in remission.

This has been a long battle of keeping my dad’s cancer at bay. In 2020, the cancer spread and he had to undergo more intensive radiation treatment with medication. My dad responded extremely well to this treatment but it also made him very weak.

This past year, my dad had to get radiation treatment once more. This time, it did not work. This means he has to try alternative treatment options that impact his physical and mental health as well as significantly impact his ability to work. This news has been devastating to the whole family. My dad is 67 still works a full-time job and is unable to take the necessary time off to undergo treatment and recover. At this time, retirement is not a feasible option. 

I know my dad can continue this fight and win this battle. However, he needs to heal. He needs time to rest, recover and rejuvenate. Like I said, my dad never asks for help. So I will. I’m asking for donations so that my dad can take a break from work this summer to fight this cancer battle and still support himself financially. Any donation will be immensely appreciated and go directly to my dad.