Michael Joseph Watkins, Jr. & Sr.

Friends and Family,
This is our story. I will try to make it brief. But this is an urgent plea for help! This is also very difficult for me to reach out for help, but our family is in immediate crisis. I am also sorry if this is the first time you are hearing our story, I have tried to inform as many as possible so they would not find out on Facebook or any other social media...
My name is Leigh Watkins and things began in late October when my husband, Mike Sr, was admitted to the hospital, in AFIB-Heart Failure. At that time he was given a cat scan and chest x-ray, where they found several spots on his lung. He then underwent a lot of tests and eventually a biopsy on Jan 5th. 2016. We were then told it was in fact, Small Cell Carinoma Lung Cancer. This is a very aggressive cancer and rapidly growing. Mike underwent Chemotherapy, at Fox Chase Cancer Center, 4 cycles of chemo, and radiation, 2 times a day for 3 weeks, with 6 hours in between so 2 times a day we went to Fox Chase, 45 minutes away, each way, 2 times a day. Had to borrow a car to ensure he could make the trips because our car was not able to. He finished up Radiation on March 4th, the day his step father passed away suddenly. Mike's last finished chemo was on March 30th. At that time we had to wait and pray for 6 weeks to receive new scans and tests to find out if he responded to the chemo and radiation. I have been out of work for some time and have been feverishly trying to carry the load for our entire family, besides being caretaker. I recently got a job, but it is very difficult with everything going on. After waiting the 6 weeks we went back to Fox Chase for scans only to be told we would need to wait an additional 6 more weeks due to several spots being found and the team of doctors were unsure if it was from the chemo and radiation he had received or if it was something new. So 6 more weeks of waiting! And praying! When we returned for new scans the radiation oncologist called to inform us that the cancer had in fact spread to his liver, and the oncologist would call in a few days to have us come in for an appt to discuss treatment options, I wasn't waiting any longer! I called and we were seen by the oncologist to be told there were clinical trials for the BONE cancer, "Wait what?"!!!! I was then told yes it had in fact spread to his Bones and Liver! I cannot tell you what is was like to be told that your best friend, life partner, soulmate and husband of 28 years, father to my children, grandfather to our grandchildren, because I went numb! I can still hear myself screaming inside! My ears ringing, and my life altering at that moment and my faith shaken! Now what?
Mike continued through treatment, when anyone asked him how he was doing, he would say, "Still looking for the cure". I fought for him on the days he couldn't fight, because of pain, or naseua, (For better or worse in sickness and health is what I said the day I married him, and I don't want to miss a day of being his wife)
My husband lost his battke with cancer December 28th, and I was there by his side when he took his last breath, and his heart stopped beating.... Our Family has been there with us through everything and we held each other up through my worst nightmare- So I thought!
On January 3rd my husband was laid to rest. On January 16th my son, our oldest son passed away at incredibly young age of 24. I have no clue how I'm supposed to endure this. How I'm supposed to look at my sons beautiful face and say goodbye to him after having to look at my husband's face and say goodbye. I don't know how I'm supposed to ask for my family to please hold me up again! Nobody should ever have to endure this pain, NOBODY! I asked everyone that attended to please hug your husband a little tighter tonight, we are not promised tomorrow. Please tell me how I'm supposed to look anyone in the face and say hug your child, your son or daughter, the person you gave life to and then gave you purpose in life, hug them a little tighter tonight.
I, in a matter of a little more than 10 days, must now endure yet another tragedy I'm speechless, devistated and broken.
So here I am asking for help....Please help! Asking for help was a very difficult decision as you can imagine, and I couldn't begin to express my thanks, I am only asking for what I need and what anyone can spare to help...Thank you from the bottom of my heart in advance for anything anyone can donate to help! May God bless each and every one of you!