- J
- B
As many of you already know from my Facebook posts (if not, please friend me), Chad was diagnosed with Stage III Colorectal Cancer in March 2020. It has been an absolute roller-coaster for almost a year. I’m talking about the type of ride that twists, turns, jolts up, then flips upside down...making you want to laugh, scream and/or cry.
To summarize, Chad has endured 8 cycles of chemotherapy, followed by 28 days of chemo+radiation, plus several tests & scans scattered throughout — all in an attempt to shrink the tumors. Unfortunately, while in surgery on December 2nd, the surgeon discovered the cancer was much more advanced/aggressive than any tests could’ve revealed and Chad ended up with a permanent colostomy. During a follow-up CT scan in January, more tests revealed a positive cancerous lymph node on his groin and some suspicious spots on his lungs. The spots on his lungs are currently too small for any type of treatment, but will be closely monitored. He underwent a procedure in which a clip was placed on the groin lymph node in hopes that it will shrink with chemo and the clip will make it detectable during surgery. Yes more sucker punches, but he is handling it like a champ: another 4+ cycles of chemo, more CT scans, eventually another surgery to remove the cancerous groin lymph node, about a month of recovery time after this surgery, and possibly more chemo after surgery.
This whole cancer journey has never really felt real, maybe that’s why we have a hard time accepting anything from anyone that wants to help. Benefits and monetary gifts are for people who really NEED it. After the last couple sucker punches, we’ve come to realize this cancer is really a part of the rest of our lives, the fight Chad is going through is real, the way that people are reaching out to help is real astonishing! Recently, a very generous offer was sent my way. An offer that stopped me in my tracks and brought tears to my eyes because I KNEW it would mean more to Chad than ANY benefit or cash value...
Anybody that knows Chad, knows he is a car guy. Classic cars/trucks are in his blood. Always have been. Always will be. Anybody that knows our families, know we haven’t been fighting alone. Never have. Never will. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that my brother, Jarvis, who also shares that same love for classics, recently reached out to me with an over-the-top offer to restore Chad’s classic 1967 Chevy Camaro RS to help “the big guy” with his fight. Or as Jar put it, “He deserves a trip around the block in his Camaro to forget about what he’s been through...we got his back!!”
Knowing Chad would resist any help being offered, I have secretly been plotting with my brother to get Chad’s Camaro restored. My part was easy...write up this “story”. Jarvis has the hard part — he is hoping to raise the funds needed to get the car restored, donating all his time/energy. The blood, sweat and tears may cost extra
As his brother-in-law, Jarvis wants to do this for Chad. As his wife, I want this for my husband. I continue to be in awe of how Chad has handled and continues to handle this disease. He is amazing! However, he has had some down days recently. He NEEDS some joy in his life, he NEEDS something fun and exciting to look forward to. More than anything, I want his smile restored.
Nothing right now would give Chad as much joy and appreciation as having one of his projects complete and driving his old comrade again. I’m certain he would drive the future owner of this muscle car into town frequently for her favorite “cream” treat. Avie and Chad share a special bond, she acts so much like her daddy and always likes to be involved in whatever he is doing. This car would give them another connection and create long-lasting memories for both of them. This car would become so much more than a “sundae” driver.
Let’s all rally around Chad and give him that trip around the block in his Chevy Camaro Rally Sport. He deserves a fun shiny smooth ride away from the roller coaster he’s been on. Thank you in advance for your care, generosity and support. Continued thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.
All our love.
Amanda and my generous accomplice, Jarvis
p.s. Schedule your colonoscopy today!
To summarize, Chad has endured 8 cycles of chemotherapy, followed by 28 days of chemo+radiation, plus several tests & scans scattered throughout — all in an attempt to shrink the tumors. Unfortunately, while in surgery on December 2nd, the surgeon discovered the cancer was much more advanced/aggressive than any tests could’ve revealed and Chad ended up with a permanent colostomy. During a follow-up CT scan in January, more tests revealed a positive cancerous lymph node on his groin and some suspicious spots on his lungs. The spots on his lungs are currently too small for any type of treatment, but will be closely monitored. He underwent a procedure in which a clip was placed on the groin lymph node in hopes that it will shrink with chemo and the clip will make it detectable during surgery. Yes more sucker punches, but he is handling it like a champ: another 4+ cycles of chemo, more CT scans, eventually another surgery to remove the cancerous groin lymph node, about a month of recovery time after this surgery, and possibly more chemo after surgery.
This whole cancer journey has never really felt real, maybe that’s why we have a hard time accepting anything from anyone that wants to help. Benefits and monetary gifts are for people who really NEED it. After the last couple sucker punches, we’ve come to realize this cancer is really a part of the rest of our lives, the fight Chad is going through is real, the way that people are reaching out to help is real astonishing! Recently, a very generous offer was sent my way. An offer that stopped me in my tracks and brought tears to my eyes because I KNEW it would mean more to Chad than ANY benefit or cash value...
Anybody that knows Chad, knows he is a car guy. Classic cars/trucks are in his blood. Always have been. Always will be. Anybody that knows our families, know we haven’t been fighting alone. Never have. Never will. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that my brother, Jarvis, who also shares that same love for classics, recently reached out to me with an over-the-top offer to restore Chad’s classic 1967 Chevy Camaro RS to help “the big guy” with his fight. Or as Jar put it, “He deserves a trip around the block in his Camaro to forget about what he’s been through...we got his back!!”
Knowing Chad would resist any help being offered, I have secretly been plotting with my brother to get Chad’s Camaro restored. My part was easy...write up this “story”. Jarvis has the hard part — he is hoping to raise the funds needed to get the car restored, donating all his time/energy. The blood, sweat and tears may cost extra
As his brother-in-law, Jarvis wants to do this for Chad. As his wife, I want this for my husband. I continue to be in awe of how Chad has handled and continues to handle this disease. He is amazing! However, he has had some down days recently. He NEEDS some joy in his life, he NEEDS something fun and exciting to look forward to. More than anything, I want his smile restored.
Nothing right now would give Chad as much joy and appreciation as having one of his projects complete and driving his old comrade again. I’m certain he would drive the future owner of this muscle car into town frequently for her favorite “cream” treat. Avie and Chad share a special bond, she acts so much like her daddy and always likes to be involved in whatever he is doing. This car would give them another connection and create long-lasting memories for both of them. This car would become so much more than a “sundae” driver.
Let’s all rally around Chad and give him that trip around the block in his Chevy Camaro Rally Sport. He deserves a fun shiny smooth ride away from the roller coaster he’s been on. Thank you in advance for your care, generosity and support. Continued thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.
All our love.
Amanda and my generous accomplice, Jarvis
p.s. Schedule your colonoscopy today!