Helping John Fight Lymphoma

I honestly do not know where to begin to explain just how pure and good John is as a friend, husband, father, and brother. John, a United States Air Force veteran, was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in October 2022. To say that this would flip any family’s life upside down would be an understatement; yet somehow John has continued to put his feelings, whether it be emotional or physical, aside in hopes to ease the pain for his wife and family. John began chemo shortly after his diagnosis and has continued to work when possible. However as any of us could imagine, battling cancer, receiving chemotherapy, and continuing to remain present and intentional for his family, is a lot to balance. But if you saw John, you’d never know just how sick he is feeling. John’s journey has had its ups and downs as do any medical battles. We continue to pray and help where possible. John and his beautiful wife Zakeya, both come from fantastic families who help with watching their son while Zakeya takes John to appointments and treatments. They both exemplify what it means to be a good and pure person. Zakeya splits her time between taking care of John, attending treatment sessions, hospital stays, and being the absolute best mother to their two-year old son Liam. Liam’s pregnancy and birth was John and Zakeya’s biggest answered prayer. Anything they do is with Liam’s well-being at the core of every decision.

Throughout this journey, friends and family have been at a loss with how to help. We have offered our time, have sent care packages, and food gift cards; but I know we can still do more. As with any extended medical treatment comes the lengthy cost of medical bills. At no point in time should John or Zakeya wonder if money will be an issue when it comes to assuring that John receives the best treatment and medications possible. A few of John’s treatments have not been approved by insurance, which is horrible but that is another story. These treatments are necessary and are quite literally the difference between life and potential death. John’s latest stay in the hospital (which is ongoing at this time); has yet to be approved by the insurance company. This comes after being in a car accident on the way to urgent care from feeling extremely weak and ill. It was there that they were taken to the emergency room where he was admitted for the above-mentioned treatment.

That’s where we come in, hoping that we can help take the burden from John and Zakeya with raising any amount possible to help them through this unimaginably difficult time. John and Zakeya would never ask for anything from anyone; but would always offer anything to everyone. John continues to fight for his family, Zakeya continues to be the rock and cornerstone for John, and what we can do now is potentially take some of the financial stress from both. If you can and feel compelled to donate, please do. Any amount is incredibly appreciated and will assist with John’s extensive medical bills.