In July of 2022 my father, John Quarles, was hospitalized for stomach pain. A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) the size of an orange and a smaller, unidentified tumor were discovered and eventually removed from his small intestine. In the following months, John was diagnosed with melanoma that had metastasized to his lungs, liver, and adrenal glands in addition to his small intestine. He underwent immunotherapy but, on March 4, 2023 a small lesion was found in his brain. Over the past few weeks, John's health has continued to degrade and the lesion has grown into a small tumor.

John is currently undergoing specialized radiation treatment at ECU Health Cancer Care Center in Greenville, NC.

My mother Robin has been John's primary source of care and support, including driving him from Roanoke Rapids, NC to UNC's Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, NC -- sometimes multiple times a week for the last six months. Anyone close to my family knows that my mother herself requires care for chronic severe mental illness: the feats she has accomplished in the last few months are astounding.

In addition to my mother's care, I and my siblings have provided care in whatever ways we can from a distance. Driving to spend time with him, sending food and money, and just reflecting on his rich and varied life.

Although John is receiving excellent care at ECU's center it has become necessary to move John into a rehabilitation facility after his stay. I am hoping to raise as much money as possible to house my father for two months in a rehabilitation facility nearby Roanoke Rapids and present this to him and my mother just after his upcoming 82nd birthday on April 11th, 2023.

Every little bit counts, please consider donating what you can and share this with any and everyone! Thank you and much love from the Quarles Family!