Help Us Say Goodbye to Our Poppy, Dad & Hero — Ken Thrasher

Help Us Say Goodbye to Our Dad, Our Grandfather, Our Hero — Ken Thrasher

Hi, we’re Shawn, Lesa, and Jackson.

We never imagined we’d be writing something like this.

We never imagined we’d be counting down the days until we lose our father.

Our dad, Ken Thrasher, is dying.

And we are shattered.

A Man of Strength, A Life of Sacrifice

If you knew our dad, you’d know a man who never let his family go without. A man who worked with cracked hands and tired bones just to make sure we had food on the table, clothes on our backs, and love in our hearts. He didn’t grow up with much, and maybe that’s why he gave everything of himself — without ever asking for anything in return.

Ken is the kind of man who would stop to help a stranger on the side of the road, even if it made him late for work. The kind of man who made people laugh when they were down. He spent his entire life taking care of others — and now, in the most painful chapter of his life, we are trying our best to take care of him.

His Grandson — His Shadow

One of the greatest joys in our dad’s life has been being a grandfather to Jackson, Lesa’s son. From the start, Jackson has been right by Grandpa’s side — his shadow, his helper, his little buddy.

Dad taught Jackson so much:

   •   How to hold a fishing rod and find the quiet places by the water

   •   How to ride a four-wheeler through the back trails and laugh like nothing else matters

   •   How to work on cars, change oil, tighten bolts, and fix what’s broken

   •   How to build things with wood and nails and pride

   •   How to be respectful, kind, and strong, even when life is hard

The bond they share is something truly special. Jackson idolizes his grandfather — and it hurts more than we can say to know that bond will soon become memory.

Watching Jackson sit quietly next to Dad’s bed, holding his hand, asking if he remembers their last fishing trip… there are no words for that kind of pain. Only tears.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Three years ago, our lives were turned upside down. Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer. It was terrifying, but we held on to hope. We stayed strong for him, and he stayed strong for us. He fought with everything he had. They removed his bladder, and we prayed that would be the end of it.

But it wasn’t.

During surgery, doctors discovered brain cancer. And not long after, colon cancer as well.

Three different cancers.

Three separate monsters.

All attacking the man we love most.

We’ve watched our father — a man once full of energy, always building something, always helping someone — slowly lose everything. His strength. His independence. His ability to walk. Even his smile.

He is now completely bedridden. He can barely move. He is in constant, agonizing pain. And every day, we see more of the light leaving his eyes.

The Hardest Decision of All

Recently, after years of suffering, our father made the most heartbreaking decision of his life:

He applied for MAID — Medical Assistance in Dying.

He was approved.

He has chosen to end his suffering.

And now… we wait.

We wait for the date.

We wait for the last time we’ll hear his voice.

We wait for the moment our world changes forever.

It could be a week. It could be two. But the countdown has begun. And every second feels like it’s slipping through our hands.

We Are Not Ready — But We Want Him at Peace

We are heartbroken. Exhausted. Overwhelmed with grief.

But more than anything, we want to do right by our dad.

We want his final days to be peaceful, full of love, and free from stress.

We want to give him a proper farewell — one that reflects the deep love he gave so freely his whole life.

But we simply can’t afford it.

Ken has no life insurance. Every penny we have has gone into caring for him — medical equipment, in-home supplies, medications, and daily needs. And now we’re faced with planning a funeral… when we can barely breathe from the heartbreak.

Why We’re Asking for Help

We are asking — humbly, painfully — for help from anyone who is willing. Friends, family, strangers, angels. If you knew our dad, or if this story touches your heart, please consider helping us lay him to rest with dignity and love.

Every dollar will go toward:

   •   Funeral and burial or cremation costs

   •   End-of-life arrangements

   •   Medical expenses not covered by insurance

   •   In-home care and supplies to keep him comfortable

   •   Support for Jackson as he prepares to say goodbye to his hero

Even a small donation makes a difference. And if you can’t give, please consider sharing this with others. You never know who might be in a position to help.

A Final Word About Our Dad

Ken Thrasher is not just a cancer patient.

He is not just a man nearing the end.

He is a father. A brother. A grandfather. A friend. A protector. A storyteller. A teacher.

He is the man who taught us to ride a bike, work hard, respect others, and never give up.

He is the man who showed Jackson how to fish, fix, build, and believe in himself.

He is the man who showed us what real love looks like — not just in words, but in action.

He is our everything.

And while we know we have to let him go, we want to send him off the way he deserves:

Surrounded by love.

At peace.

And remembered forever by those who knew how deeply he cared.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for reading, for donating, for sharing, and for standing beside us during the most painful time in our lives.

With love and heartbreak,

Shawn, Lesa & Jackson