Our world was turned upside down on June 4th, 2025, when I woke at 3 AM to my beloved wife, Patty, crying in unbearable pain. After months of unexplained back and hip pain, doctor visits, physical therapy, and even a chiropractor, nothing provided relief. A trip to the emergency room finally revealed the heartbreaking truth: her lung cancer had grown, with lesions on her spine. We didn't even know she had cancer.

She was immediately admitted to the hospital, where they compressed six months of tests into six agonizing days. The devastating end result: Stage 4 Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, with spinal and hip lesions, and a small tumor on the left frontal lobe of her brain. We are told the non-small cell type tends to be slow-growing, offering a glimmer of hope in this challenging diagnosis.

Patty has bravely completed her first round of radiation, which focused on her upper spine. Her next steps, starting July 7th, involve chemotherapy and Keytruda to shrink the main tumor, the brain tumor, and the hip lesions.

About Patty: The Spirit Behind "Patty Cakes"

Patty turns 66 this year, and she hasn't slowed down a bit. Even with this diagnosis, she's determined to fight to the end. She's a person who constantly gives back, having donated her hair many times to Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids – her last donation was just two months before her diagnosis. She even laughs and wonders if she needs a wig, will she get her own hair back?

Her love for cooking and baking is legendary, which is why she's affectionately known as Patty Cakes. She recently baked four kinds of cookies and took plates to her radiation team, a true testament to her enduring spirit. Our home is a jungle thanks to her passion for houseplants, and she finds immense joy in nature, whether it's traveling to parks, the ocean, or the mountains. She's always looking for a road we've never traveled.

How You Can Help Patty

The journey ahead is incredibly challenging, not just emotionally and physically, but financially. Everyone knows about the immense costs of cancer treatment, from co-pays and deductibles to uncovered medications. But there are also the "side things" that add up quickly. I've had to pull back from work to care for her, and while I'll get some Family Care assistance, it won't replace my full wages. This significant drop in income adds immense stress, making it harder for us to focus solely on Patty's healing.

There are also specific health items I believe she needs that aren't readily covered by insurance, and I want to be able to get her those things without delay, ensuring her comfort and well-being.

Patty never thought about a bucket list before, but now it has become a poignant reality. Her biggest wish is to visit as many National Parks, State Parks, and zoos as she can – no repeats, only places she's never been before. Your support will help us create these precious memories for her.

Please Support Patty's Fight

We understand that times are tough for everyone, but any contribution, big or small, would be a monumental help in easing this immense burden and allowing Patty to focus solely on healing and making new memories. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing Patty's story with your network – spreading the word is just as valuable. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for your incredible generosity and support during this difficult chapter.

With immense gratitude,

Scott & Patty