PJ and Ruth - Ultimate Fundraiser

Patrick (known by family and friends as PJ) and his family currently live in Tucson, Arizona where he works for a company called Raytheon as an Information Systems Security Officer. He is also a very involved member of his church operating as a voluntary youth director. PJ's wife, Ruth, is a stay at home mother who also does freelance graphic design, primarily working with non-profit organizations. They also have a little boy named Liam, who will be two years old this coming May.

In September 2015 PJ was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, a type of cancer. The tumor on his tongue was then removed along with several nodules within his neck as the cancer had spread. Along with the surgery, PJ's doctors highly recommended that he complete six weeks of radiation treatment. Unfortunately after a few short weeks after his radiation was completed an abscess grew where the incision on his neck was and the family has discovered that the cancer is back again with a vengence on his tongue and neck. In addition PJ will have a lung biopsy for a suspicious spot there. Treatment plans will either be neck surgery again (including a skin graft) and take more tongue (will have to take muscle from elsewhere to rebuild it), chemo and 6 months of recovery. If the spot on his lung is cancerous then they will classify his case as stage 4b inoperable and there will be more referrals and a treatment plan.  

Money donated will be used to help pay bills as PJ will need to  be off of work for an extended length of time which will be taxing on the family's income.

PJ is very loved by his family, his friends and is an important role model for all of the youth that he impacts within his church. Your prayers and support are appreciated in so many ways.