"When it rains it pours" is a phrase we hear quite often but never has a saying been so appropriate as it has for the Smith Family of Anadarko, OK.

Gary Smith, his wife Cookie and their son Alec are currently juggling more than their fair share of challenges. Gary, the owner of Smith and Sons Building Center in Anadarko, OK, was diagnosed on March 28 with glioblastoma--a rare brain cancer. He has undergone two surgeries to remove tumors on both the right and left sides of his brain. This has left him unable to speak and Gary is unfortunately in hospice care at home.

In light of his Dad's illness, Alec Smith left college and moved home to help run the family business and help his mother care for Gary. Earlier this summer, Alec began having what he assumed were bad sinus headaches/migraines. A July 9 biopsy revealed a lemon-sized tumor which the family soon learned was an extremely rare form of cancer known as olfactory neoblastoma (medical name:  ethesioneuroblastoma). The tumor is located in his nasal passage and must be reduced in size before surgery can take place. Alec will begin multiple rounds of chemo (3 days on/21 days off repeated) before another MRI and surgery to try and remove the tumor without jeopardizing his eye.

Cookie is busy trying to care for Gary and help Alec navigate doctor's appointments and his upcoming treatment. Although they did not seek assistance, CSA would like to help coordinate a fundraising campaign for the Smith family as they go through this unimaginable time.

Prayers and support are needed. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Katie Bodiford at CSA. Her mobile number is (770) [phone redacted].

Thank you for your help in supporting this special family!