My name is Lauren, I’m the proud daughter of John Massa. My dad is a man of strong faith and has exemplified that throughout his life. He’s a kind, generous man who taught us to see the positive in everyone and everything. To this day, he reminds me, treat people how you want to be treated. I’m hoping many of you share this outlook as he’s in need of your help. He is in the fight for his life right now, suffering from stage 4 lung cancer. He’s always worked selflessly to provide for our family but now he’s physically unable to do so. My goal is to give my dad the peace of mind he’s given my family and I our whole lives but I need your help with medical and daily expenses to do so.

In 2014, after a routine physical, it was devastating to find out that my dad had stage 4 lung cancer, in both lungs and adrenal gland. My mom had just been successfully treated for breast cancer so we wasted no time in finding a place for him to be treated. He had undergone chemotherapy, immediately followed by intense radiation that kept the cancer stable. Dad was determined to get well and soon he was back to work providing for his family. His oncologist called him a miracle as statistics show that patients don’t normally achieve the successful results he had. When dad was diagnosed he claimed the promise that “God will restore his health and heal his wounds”.

In 2019, dad’s cancer became active again. His doctors felt that radiation worked for him before, and that it would work again. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. The cancer didn’t spread but it doubled in size. At that time we learned that dad has a rare mutation that less than 1% of people in the country have. At the same time we were told that a clinical trial targeting this rare mutation was open and that we should consider it. His doctor felt that he was a good candidate. With much prayer and FaceTime calls between my parents and all of my siblings, we decided to move forward with the trial.

After participating in this trial for 5 months, not only did it make him very ill and have him in and out of hospitals, but his cancer came back with a vengeance. His cancer has spread to his liver, spine, and hip. Dad with his persevering spirit said, okay, another setback. He is determined to fight for his life and overcome this cancer again. Dad is now on another chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimen. Because of how quickly the cancer spread, he wasn’t given much time to physically recover from the clinical trial before starting the new regimen, so he started this treatment in a debilitated condition. He is extremely weak, has constant fevers, and widespread pain, while becoming less mobile and needing assistance in almost all daily routines.

While undergoing treatment, dad was told he should strongly consider taking time off from work because of the risks of contracting Covid. During that time off, he was let go from his job. My parents never let on to their struggles but I’ve learned that my dad was forced to liquidate his retirement fund and to remortgage our family home in order to care for my sister, who’s been chronically ill, since she was 10 years old. There is no cure for her illness. Her doctors, medications, and treatments are not covered by insurance. My dad has been paying out-of-pocket for all of her medications and treatments for 16 years. Our mom had to stop working to be her caregiver, making our dad, the sole provider for our family. She is now a full-time caregiver to them both. Endless medical and household expenses piling up and the loss of income has left our family with a deep financial need.

As a statistic, it might look grim. I’ve seen how relentless cancer is but I’ve also seen how relentless my father is. He is a fighter, working hard at the road to recovery as he says he has so much to live for. Would you please help us in this fight? We’re asking for prayers and financial help to ease this enormous burden from his shoulders. Together, with your help we can give my parents the time needed and peace of mind knowing they will not be forced from their home during this incredibly difficult time. This isn’t just my father’s fight to live, it is his fight to take care of his wife and ill daughter and he just can’t fight this battle alone any longer. Please, if you can find it in your hearts to pray for healing, to donate, and to share our story, my family and I are forever grateful. May God bless you for supporting us in our time of need.