We have decided to start a new GoFundMe page to help manage the financial challenges we are facing while undergoing treatment for cancer. I deleted the old Go Fund Me due to some family members making us feel guilty for asking for help, or spreading rumors about how the funds were being used. Or saying things like "It's just throat cancer, Rickey can work" well, it's not just throat cancer. My husband is currently battling oropharyngeal cancer, and at the same time, I am fighting Lupus and cervical cancer. Some days feel overwhelming. We go from appointments to treatments to long, quiet nights where the silence is so loud. We are tired. We are overwhelmed. And if I'm being honest, we're going through Hell. Cancer has not only taken a toll physically and emotionally, it has also created financial strain. We weren't prepared for this, but who really is? Cancer eats away at your savings just as much as your body. We travel two hours away regularly to continue treatments, and the cost of gas, and normal everyday living expenses has added up quickly. Nothing pauses just because life becomes difficult. We have 2 kids who are in school and our 8 year old is growing so fast we can't keep up with clothes that fit. (Special thanks to her teacher for getting her a winter coat.)

This is not just about having Cancer. My husbands health issues started when he was injured at work and had to have a 2 level disk replacement that left him permanently disabled, despite having 6 doctors and 3 court ordered witnesses at his Social Security Hearing in May, he was denied his SSD benefits 8 months later, because the judge did not find any of these doctors "credible". It's been a 3 year battle trying to get his SSD. The hearing process is estimated to take 30 - 60 days, My husbands took 8 month because the judge was out on a "paid suspension" for "conduct unbecoming of a federal Employee". (public record) While my husband's attorney is working on his appeal, this process can take 6-12 months. Right now every second counts. We have no income, and our lives are literally on the line. Our bills are piling up, I don't know how the lights are still on. There's a repo order on our car because I owe $1400.00 and the bank doesn't care that we are sick. They want their money and honesty, I don't blame them, I did promise to pay the loan back, we just never thought that this would happen to us. Our Mortgage company has been very understanding, but they also want their money.

Asking for help is not easy for us, but right now we are in need of support. When we first started this journey, the doctors said the success rate is much higher if you have a good support system. At the time, I didn't think it made sense. Now I see how important it actually is. We don't have a support system, we have each other and our 2 kids. If you feel led to donate, any amount, no matter how small, (think of a pack of toilet paper) will help ease our financial burden and keep our household afloat while we focus on healing. If you’re unable to give financially, your prayers and sharing this page mean just as much to us. Any support, whether through a donation or by sharing the link with others, would mean a great deal to our family during this difficult time.

We don’t know what the road ahead looks like, but WE WILL make it there with some support.

Thank you for standing with us, loving us, and lifting us up.