EDIT: GOAL REACHED! I made this GoFundMe in a rush and put $5,000. As of writing we have reached $3,656!! This will 100% cover the costs of the trip. Any more money donated that isn't used in TN will be put toward funeral expenses.

My name is Tabitha Heine. I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my father, Roy Vanderhoff Jr.

 

On July 27th I received news that my dad, aged 55, has glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). His doctors have told us he may have a year left, but his health will start deteriorating before then. From Wikipedia:

 

"Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of cancer that begins within the brain."

 

Despite maximum treatment, the cancer always recurs. The typical duration of survival following diagnosis is 12–15 months, with fewer than 3–7% of people surviving longer than five years. Without treatment, survival is typically three months."

 

Purpose of this fundraiser

 

As the sole provider of a big family, my dad has never been on a proper vacation in his life. He has never left the country. He has hardly left the state of Louisiana. He always had dreams of traveling to places like Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains, and the Appalachians. He expressed to me recently he didn't know how, but he wanted to go camping in the mountains with his family before he leaves us. He has been unable to work since being diagnosed, so his dreams of traveling have been dashed. I created this fundraiser to hopefully help pay for my dad and his family's vacation expenses to Gatlinburg, TN. I know he would enjoy experiencing the mountains and autumn colors in Tennessee immensely. Unfortunately it won't be on a campground in tents like he wants because of the cold weather, but I think he will settle for a nice lodge overlooking the mountains! 

 

His doctors have told us he is finished with radiation but will start chemotherapy in about a month. They will accommodate any vacation plans however. We are hoping to be able to get my dad to TN either before he starts chemo or before he becomes too weak from it.

 

About Roy

 

Roy has lived in southern Louisiana all his life. He has always been an outdoorsman. He loves nature, fishing, hunting nuisance pigs, watching shows about Bigfoot and aliens, working on cars, and riding motorcycles. Throughout his life, he has always been there for others. He would genuinely give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He has welcomed into his home many acquaintances and friends who had fallen on hard times. He is yet another good soul who has fallen victim to the cruel disease that is cancer.

 

 

Please consider donating what you can, every dollar helps fund his trip. If you cannot donate, please share our fundraiser! From the bottom of my heart, thank you to anyone who donates to or shares this fundraiser. We would love to be able to make this dream vacation happen for Roy, and with your gracious support we can make it a reality!