In July of last year, Ricky was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer that had already spread throughout his body. By the time it was discovered, it was too late for him to undergo aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Anyone who knows Ricky will tell you he is one of the hardest-working people they’ve ever met—so much so that he continued doing manual labor for months after his diagnosis just to keep paying his bills.
Ricky has faced this battle with incredible strength and determination, but recently his condition has taken a turn for the worse. He now requires full-time, in-home care and hospice services.
Ricky is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a civil engineer, a former Army boxing coach, a Golden Gloves Champion, and a standout athlete in his younger years. Beyond his accomplishments, he is best known for his heart of gold. Ricky has always been the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to help a stranger. A champion among his friends growing up, he still deeply values those lifelong relationships today.
Recently, Ricky suffered a severe infection that required a week-long hospital stay. Tragically, the infection was resistant to all available antibiotics. He is now back home, surrounded by love, spending his final days under the devoted, full-time care of his son, Scott.
When Scott learned of his father’s diagnosis last July, he left his job, placed his belongings into storage, and moved back to Seattle to care for his dad full time to help him face this journey with dignity and grace. Ricky also has a loving daughter, LeAyla, and four grandchildren who adore him. LeAyla has been an incredible source of support and, although she lives several hours away, visits as often as she possibly can.
Donations will help ease the financial burden on Ricky and Scott by covering essential expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and other basic necessities during this time. Unable to work, Scott has been using his savings to cover these bills for the last few months. Funds will also help with travel expenses for LeAyla, unexpected medical bills, costs associated with maintaining Ricky’s rental property and necessary repairs, and honoring Ricky’s life with a celebration of life for the many friends who will deeply miss him.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can offer—whether through a donation, sharing this page, or keeping Ricky and his family in your thoughts. Every contribution, no matter the size, truly means the world.
With gratitude,
Scott & Leayla
