Richard is the son of My dear friend Lequisha. He, Lequisha, his sister Jayleesha, and all who love them are fighting for his health. Richard is a quiet, bright sophomore at the Colorado School of Mines, studying metallurgical and materials engineering. This summer was supposed to be filled with anticipation of diving into his second year of college. Instead, Richard received a life-changing diagnosis: mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, an extremely rare and aggressive bone cancer. The news came the same week he should have been unpacking boxes in his new dorm room. A routine dental procedure revealed the tumor, and Richard’s life quickly shifted from choosing classes to learning about chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Richard is more than his diagnosis. He’s a friend who lights up a room with his humor, a teammate in intramural sports, a baker who delighted his dorm with new dishes, and a volunteer with organizations like 100 Black Men of Omaha and Creighton Prep Band. He carries a quiet strength, stays composed in the face of challenges, and is determined to focus his energy on healing so he can return to school and finish his studies.

Richard is receiving care at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, one of the leading hospitals specializing in rare cancers. The journey ahead will involve significant medical costs, travel expenses, and long stretches away from school and home. We’re asking for your support to help Richard and his family cover the costs of treatment, travel, and the many unexpected expenses that come with fighting a rare cancer. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Richard focus on what matters most: healing and returning to the life he’s worked so hard to build. Please consider donating to Richard’s fight and sharing his story.