I’m writing today because my dear friend and long-time co-worker, Rachel, is in need of support and prayers. Several years ago, her beloved husband of 22 years, Don, was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma (OM). Although it was a tough fight, by God's grace Don prevailed and has been in remission for the past 6 years.

Statistics indicate that 50% of OM patients will develop metastatic melanoma within 15 years of their original diagnosis. Metastatic melanoma is a general term for the spreading of cancer beyond its original site and is also known as Stage IV. Currently there is no cure for metastatic OM.

On May 31st, Don went to the hospital with pain in his right side. An MRI showed signs of cancer in his liver. While I wish I could be writing this with better news, doctors confirmed that Don's cancer has metastasized to over half of his liver. His current diagnosis is Advanced Stage IV.

As you can imagine, the Duff Family is absolutely devastated by this news. We have set up this GoFundMe to help reduce any financial stress or burden, so that Don and his family can focus on what’s most important: his treatments and enjoying time together creating lifelong memories, which includes a trip to Scotland they have been dreaming of. If you are able to contribute, please know the Duff Family would be overwhelmingly grateful to each and every one of you, your generous donations and, most of all, the love and support of the wonderful people in their lives.

If you'd like to learn more about OM or donate to finding a cure instead, please visit https://acureinsight.org/ or http://ocularmelanoma.org/ 

Thank you all so much!