Help Rod's fight with cancer

So this is the story of Jen and Rod from the point of view of a family member blessed to know them. I hope it gives you an idea of why we are asking for help. I hope it inspires you the way they have inspired me.

 

I remember the first time I met Rod. He was quiet, nice, and the mysterious guy who made my sister happier than I had ever seen her. I was seventeen and maybe things were skewed because I was a teenager but I new love when I saw it. The love that Jen and Rod share has lasted almost 30 years. I remember when they remodeled their first house and while it was under construction they would write I love you notes on the studs of the torn up walls. It was like a reminder of what their love was building. It was beautiful and set the standard for how I believed a truly loving relationship should be. They have always been an inspiration to me.

 

They have two amazing kids together, Clint and Abby, and made sure to include Rod's daughter Jenny from his first marriage. I have had the honor of becoming very close with these kids and can say that Jen and Rod have raised some beautiful humans. They are a couple of my favorite people and that is a testament to the amazing parents Jen and Rod are. They created a unique and amazing family that welcomed friends and extended family into their circle. I had the pleasure of being one of those who was welcomed. They allowed me to live with them and supported me through my college years. I would not be where I am today without them. Anyone who knows them knows that they would give you the shirt off of their back to help someone they love. They are people who deserve all the happiness life has to offer. Lately that happiness has been torn away from them.

 

On January 13th we received the news that Rod has cancer that has spread to his brain. He began radiation and chemotherapy treatment and made it through one round of each. After the treatments he suffered massive stroke and is now paralyzed on the right side and unable to speak. He will need to be admitted to a acute rehab center to try and get his speech and mobility back. If he is able to come home from the rehab center Jen will have to retro fit the house to be wheelchair accessible. The level of care and attention he will require comes at a cost. A cost that is out of reach for most families living in our country today. This is why we are starting this Go Fund Me page. They would never ask anything of all the people they helped and now it is our chance to return the favor. I ask you to donate to help them through this horrible time if you love them, have been helped by them, or have had the pleasure of knowing them. When making this donation know that you are giving to a family that would do the same for you in your time of need.

 

The situation they are in is unfair and dire. If you have experienced the destruction that cancer causes you know the pain of watching your loved ones suffer through this horrible disease. My hope is through this Go Fund Me page we can lessen the helpless feeling this disease leaves on all of us. By donating you will make a difference for people who do not deserve the fate bestowed to them. Please know that we love and appreciate all of you who give to this Go Fund Me. We cannot thank you all enough and there are no words to describe what your support means to all of us. If you are unable to donate we will take all of the prayers and well wishes you can offer. Wishing you all love, health, and happiness. Thank you so very much.