In 2014, after noticing a lump on the inside of his right elbow, our dad was diagnosed with sarcoma, a very rare form of cancer. Sarcomas are tumors that arise in the bones, and connective tissue such as fat and muscle. Even with cutting edge research, it is not clear what causes sarcoma, but sometimes family history and exposure to chemicals or radiation may increase risk. The specific type of sarcoma that Dad has is called non-differentiated spindle-cell, soft-tissue sarcoma. That is a fancy way of saying “a very rare cancer of the soft tissue that doesn’t respond well to chemo or radiation.” Surgery is about the only known treatment that is effective for this type of cancer. Since being diagnosed, he has gone through 4 surgeries, plus skin grafts and removal of partial muscle tissue in his shoulder. In August of 2020, Dad was seen for a new lump that had developed in his shoulder, and it was again diagnosed as the same sarcoma as he had dealt with previously. But this time with the cancer moving up his arm and shoulder, the prognosis for treatment was complete amputation of his right arm and shoulder. What a life-changing diagnosis! While this had always been a possibility from the onset, the reality of such a radical prognosis for a treatment that severe seemed far away in the future. But this time it seems inevitable. The surgeon and oncologist recommended the amputation to be done near the end of October, and are urging him to not delay, as the mass had already grown to over 9cm. After allowing the news to settle in and spending time prayer, Dad and Mom have decided to pursue alternative treatments through a combination of high-dosage Vitamin C, Hyperbaric Ozone treatments, and additional cancer-fighting medicines and supplements. The idea is to supply his body with the tools that it needs to help fight the cancer. He began this form of treatment on October 6th, and will continue for 10 weeks and then evaluate the next steps. We know there are no guarantees, but they asked themselves, “What effort or cost are we willing to give to save his arm?” This alternative treatment is an expensive option, and not one covered by insurance. Between the medications, the travel, and the clinic visits, their expenses run them over $1,500/week. Over the initial ten-week period, that will create an expense of around $15,000 just for this treatment! In addition, we don’t know what additional costs for the years might be to continue treatments or procedures. Our parents are missionaries and live off the financial support they receive from friends, family and churches. We don’t want our parents worrying about this financial burden, we want them working on getting dad strong and healing! Please consider a gift to help our parents through this medical and financial struggle. All of us have had our faith in Christ strengthened through this journey and one my dad’s favorite verses is Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified and do not be discouraged for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you may go.” Thank you! John & Eric