Hi, my name is Thad Smith, and I’m a single father of five, with two of my children — Daisy (13) and Thad II (17) — still living at home with me full time.

This has been the most difficult year of my life.

In January, I found a lump near my armpit. After multiple hospital visits and surgery, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Myxofibrosarcoma. It’s a terminal, recurring cancer that comes back in the same area over 90% of the time and can also spread to the lungs.

Unfortunately, they weren’t able to remove the tumor completely during the first surgery, and it returned just two and a half weeks later — three times bigger.

I was referred to the IU Simon Cancer Center, where I received 25 rounds of radiation and then underwent a second surgery on May 19 to remove the regrowth. Now, I’m preparing for AIM chemotherapy — a powerful treatment that requires five days in the hospital, followed by 14 days at home, repeated for three full rounds.

On top of this, I’m also battling a serious spinal issue that’s pinching nerves in my back and legs. I’ll need back surgery in October just to restore my ability to function normally.

I haven’t been able to work since January 6. I’ve sold nearly everything I own and used up my savings just to stay afloat. With school starting again, my kids have outgrown most of their clothes and shoes, and we’re struggling to keep up with basic bills and living expenses.

I never thought I’d be in this position — asking for help. But I’m doing this for my children. They don’t deserve to carry the weight of this situation, and I just want to get through treatment, recover, and provide for them again.

If you can donate — no matter how small — or share this campaign, it would mean the world to me. If you can’t give, please send prayers. We need all the strength, love, and support we can get.

Once I beat this, I promise I’ll pay it forward and support others who are going through the same fight.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

— Thad Smith