Kenny, we got your back! Together we can make a difference!

Hi there,

Here we are one more time to ask you to help out beloved Kenny to get back on his feet while he is undergoing cancer treatment. I asked Kenny to say some words about himself and he forgot to mention what a WONDERFUL friend he is. Please learn more about his journey on his own words.

“First of all I’d like to introduce myself... I’m Kenny. I’m a husband, a son, a brother, a nephew and the best part...a GUNCLE!!! I am also a florist. I’ve been doing flowers for 33 years and it is my passion. I love decorating, entertaining, parties and dancing. I’d say I’m mostly an extrovert; I love People!! I enjoy conversations, friendly debates, and discovering what makes you tick.

I am French Canadian married to a wonderful Brazilian. The cultures meld incredibly! Rice, beans, tortiere, croissants, poutine...feijoada, pão de queijo.

Our music? Celine, Piaf, Paris Combo, Zaz, Gal Costa, Lara Fabian, the great Maria Betania, Ivete Sangalo, Claudia Leitte, Elza Soares, Zeca, and both our favorite...Alcione!!!!

Me and my Cancer.

I discovered when I turned 50 I had cancer eight years ago. My Urologist said it was prostate cancer and it could be regulated with radiation and later medication. He was correct.

For 8 years I lived to have a normal life through medication. I went dancing. Sergio and I had parties! Brazilian parties!! We had a great life. (no one ever knew).

Then one day, not that long ago.. December 13th; I was unable to urinate.. then unable to have a bowel movement... I rushed to the emergency room- through multiple tests, they found a mass in my colo-area. I ended up in the hospital 4 times and 2 surgeries until my problems were mostly resolved... incurring nearly $30,000 of hospital debt; $10,000 out of pocket debt; I was devastated! beside the previous Urology bills to keep me alive and vibrant for the previous 8 years. I do know I am not alone juggling hospital and insurance deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs; but at this moment it is truly overwhelming.

With the magic of medicine, the grace of God, and my new best friend, the Oncologist, I am currently undergoing chemo treatment to shrink the mass in my colo-area. I believe it is working! But the strain of being unemployed since Valentine’s Day has taken its toll. I just ask for a little help in this matter to raise some funds to keep me until my last round of chemo... July 1st of this year. By then I should be cleared to return to work... I should be strong enough to work and get back on my feet again. I thank you ahead of time. You know I love you all. God bless you.

After my treatments are done, I would love to raise funds for more cancer research... I know treatment has come along way; I watched my Aunt Pauline suffer years of cancer treatment in the 70s; scarring, vomiting, fatigue, and ultimately her death. I realize that the knowledge the doctors have today is keeping me healthy and stable through my chemo treatment thanks to new technologies and medications. I truly believe that in the future, one day, we will find a CURE!!”