If you have the pleasure of knowing Skylar, you'd know that he has spent years helping others improve their quality of life through their small hemp business. Now, after battling kidney cancer and receiving a life-changing Crohn’s disease diagnosis, we are facing a financial and medical crisis that we can’t overcome alone. With our savings depleted and another major surgery ahead, Skylar needs support to get the care he needs to get through further treatment.

A Devastating Diagnosis

What started as routine testing for hypertension in early 2024 led to an unexpected and terrifying discovery. During an ultrasound, doctors found a shadow on Skylar’s kidney, leading to further testing. A CT scan revealed a 4 cm tumor, and in May 2024, Skylar was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

In June, he underwent a 4-hour surgery to remove the tumor.

After a difficult recovery, the final diagnosis was Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Skylar was forced to take time off work during the busiest season, and in order to stay afloat, we used up nearly all of our savings. After eight weeks of recovery, he was finally able to return to work, but the fight wasn’t over.

Another Unexpected Challenge: Crohn’s Disease

At a follow-up scan in September, there was good news. No sign of cancer. But doctors found significant inflammation in Skylar’s lower small intestine.

After months of searching for a specialist, Skylar finally met with a gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy revealed severe scar tissue in the ileocecal valve, an area that should be the size of a half dollar but had shrunk to just 2 to 3 millimeters. A biopsy confirmed yet another diagnosis, Crohn’s disease.

Doctors now believe that chronic inflammation has been the root cause of these health issues, including the development of cancer. Without addressing the underlying inflammation, Skylar is at risk for cancer returning and for continued complications from Crohn’s disease. Treating the inflammation is not just about improving quality of life; it’s about preventing future life-threatening conditions.

Due to the severity of the scar tissue, surgery is necessary to repair the damage. This means more CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, and ongoing medical care, all adding to the mounting medical costs.

Why Skylar Needs Help

After draining our savings while recovering from cancer, Skylar now faces another surgery and months of medical expenses. Taking more time off work is simply not an option, especially with another busy season approaching.

In addition to surgery, Skylar is seeking specialized treatment and medications that insurance won’t cover. He has found a leading gastroenterologist who specializes in Crohn’s, GI disorders, and root causes of inflammation, but the cost is entirely out of pocket. Without this treatment, Skylar remains vulnerable to worsening inflammation and the potential return of cancer.

The total cost for this next phase of treatment is $13,474. This does not include medications, additional testing, or travel expenses.

How You Can Make a Difference

Skylar has dedicated his life to helping others. Now, he needs help to get back on their feet.

Every donation will go directly toward:

- Specialist appointments and advanced Crohn’s treatment

- Surgery and medical procedures to repair the damage

- Medications and therapies not covered by insurance

- Travel expenses to receive necessary care

- Months spent out of work.

Skylar is strong, determined, and ready to fight, but he really can’t do this alone. Any amount helps, and even if donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser can make a huge difference.

Skylar is quite transparent on his medical journey. If you would like to follow along, feel free to follow him on Facebook to get all current updates.

Let’s rally together to help Skylar heal and get back to doing what he loves most, helping others to live better lives.