My brother, Richard H. Crouse, lost his courageous battle with a rare form of cancer on December 31, 2025. He passed away at home with the love of his life, Carol, and daughter Evie.

We lost Mom on January 31, 2025, and I'll never forget the call on March 20th when Scooby told me he had cancer. Shock, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of loss overcame me.

Losing my parents and my Danielle was utterly devastating, but knowing I was losing a sibling was a grief I couldn't explain. We became Crouse Strong once again, but nothing can prepare you to see your brother's life slip away and feel utterly helpless with nothing to help save him and take his pain away. He was only 52 with a 16-year-old daughter that adores him and a truly remarkable soulmate that he loved endlessly.

Through all the trials and tribulations, he was worried about Carol and Evie, and we made a promise to ALWAYS be there for them. They may not like it, but I will honor everything we promised Rich.

I've seen Carol stand beside and care for my brother with the love and patience of a saint. We always joked that she has earned her wings just putting up with him. We as Crouse are not the easiest to deal with, but our bond through the good, bad, and ugly is unbreakable.

Their faith in God and prayer made my faith even stronger.

Scooby didn't want anyone's pity or sadness while dealing with this dreadful cancer.

This is a complex scenario involving multiple aspects of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

I told him after he passed I was going to set up a GoFundMe to help out Carol and Evie.

He didn't want a huge service, so we will be having a private mass. Please donate to them instead of sending flowers to help out. Medical expenses are horrific, not to mention how Carol was there for every appointment and stood beside him while taking off work whenever he needed her. Her love is unbelievable, and her devotion to her family is so powerful. We love you Carol, Evie, Emily, and Erica.