Support Rich & Terry in the Fight for their Health

Update: Terry has completed her initial rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. It has taken a heavy toll on her body's strength, but she continues to fight hard. She is now transitioning to the next level of radiation called brachytherapy in which the treatment becomes internal and targeted. She will undergo 5 sessions in the hospital while being under anesthesia for 8 hours each time. The doctors will take scans in between each session to assess the status of the cancer.

Rich is on the road to uncovering answers, so there is some hope. The doctors believe his condition to be neurosarcoidosis in which bad cells are attacking good cells in numerous parts of his body (eye, thyroid, lung, liver, thigh, back). He is getting a biopsy of the lung completed this month to solidify and further define the diagnosis. Due to the rare nature of this autoimmune disease, Rich will become part of a coast-to-coast study where a team of doctors will participate in crafting his treatment plan. The hope is that the results from his case will be used to help other patients in the future.

They continue to follow the medical process with patience in an effort to get better, but as it stands, their working days are over.

Together, Rich and Terry Saari face one health struggle after another and are in a battle for their livelihood. Rich has a tumor behind his eye causing blindness which could result in surgery to his skull, and Terry was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer. These two are compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who graciously spent over twenty years raising a beautiful, blended family.

At the start of 2023, Rich was in and out of the hospital for nearly a month due to a non-cancerous tumor putting pressure on his brain and optic nerve. He has lost complete sight in his left eye. Unfortunately, there are still no answers as to the root cause. He continues to undergo testing for potential autoimmune diseases, must have a PET scan and biopsy performed, and is taking steroids to combat the inflammation behind his eye. If the tests are inconclusive, Rich may have to have an invasive surgery in which they break into his skull to remove the tumor. On top of the eye condition, his back has long been deteriorated from working in construction his whole life. Facing these circumstances, Rich has been out of work for several months due to safety reasons and in an attempt to heal. His job was the household’s main source of income.

Fast forward to mid-February, when this couple was rocked with yet another devastating blow. Terry went into the doctors due to excruciating pain in her abdomen. A mass the size of a lime was found in her cervix, which was later confirmed to be stage 2A cervical cancer. She must now undergo several weeks of radiation and chemotherapy to attempt to shrink the tumor before it spreads. Terry has successfully run an eBay business for two years to create supplemental income, however she too must focus her day-to-day on fighting this horrible disease.

Rich and Terry have always prided themselves on independence and taking care of each other, but they are existing in a true moment of need. There is nothing left to do but ask for external financial help. Loved ones both near and far, we as a family pray that you would consider giving to their situation. The funds will be used towards various medical bills and general bills so they can keep their home while they walk down the difficult road that lies ahead. Any alleviation of financial stress would be a huge blessing and relief as they can then focus their energy on getting better.

As us four kids rally around them and look towards the future, we plead that our parents have so much left to live for, including their youngest daughter’s wedding at the end of April. They also have four grandsons to witness grow up and pass down their wisdom. From the bottom of our hearts, we ask that you please extend your support to Rich and Terry who have loved and been loved by many.