Cancer Vs Family
Donation protected
Hello Everyone.
So here's my story.
April 25th 2015, my wife and I were planning on walking down the aisle to say I Do. The night before, I was having terrible pains in my stomach so I decided to go to the ER. They gave me a Diagnosis that I was not happy with and sent me on my way a couple of hours later. Something told me it wasn't as easy as taking Tums, so I went to a different Hospital to get checked out. After giving me a proper exam, they found a tumor in my pancreas. I was Diagnosed with Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer with stage 3 tendencies. The moment those words left my Doctors mouth, the world around me stop. Everything seem to dissappear and all I could see in front of me were my 3 girls. My soon to be wife, and my precious babies. How could I every leave them behind. The devistation I felt couldn't have been more unbearable. I had to do what I could for not only myself but for my family. The only thing that matters in life.
But this unforseen turn of events did not stop us from saying I Do. My wife and our family and friends where able to make the wedding go on. We married in a small Chapel in the Hospital. (Thanks to our Pastor, and our Amazing photographer and his team!) They were able to Skype the Ceremony to the venue so our family and friends could still be a part of our special day. Though I did not get to take part in our Reception party, I am lucky to have been able to marry the woman I love.
After a week or two of Finally getting our Financials in order I was given a Doctor to start me on Chemotherapy. But by them my Cancer had rapidly spread to the liver and was now Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Several rounds of Chemotherapy help shrink the Tumor a couple Cms. After less then a Year of Chemotherapy, My tumor has not shrunk any less and is instead growing. I am a Cancer patient currently fight to keep my family Whole. I have stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and chemotherapy has failed me. I am Now looking for Clinical Trials to prolong my Life. This being the case, I would like to give my family a memory they will never forget. And with out your help, I will not be able to do so. I have two beautiful daughters, ages 3 and 5 and I can't wait for them to have a wonder trip. I am raising money to take my Family and I on what could be our Last chance to go on Vacation as a Family.
My wife has been so strong in keeping the family together, taking care of the kids, taking care of me while I'm sick, doing all the house chorus, all the things I should be doing as the male of the house. I am so thankful to have married such an amazing woman. My children know daddy is sick but do not understand the extent of my Illness. But they help mommy take care of Daddy when they can. Telling me to relax so my tummy booboo gets better. My family deserves this. They deserve to have some happiness is this time of struggle, and sadness. I feel as though I am failing them, not being about to give them this trip on my own. That being said, if you think this is not for you, and you do not choose to help, I understand completely, and thank you for taking the time to read this. For those who do, I want to thank you from the Bottom of my heart. You are making my dream and the dreams of my children come true! God Bless you all.
So here's my story.
April 25th 2015, my wife and I were planning on walking down the aisle to say I Do. The night before, I was having terrible pains in my stomach so I decided to go to the ER. They gave me a Diagnosis that I was not happy with and sent me on my way a couple of hours later. Something told me it wasn't as easy as taking Tums, so I went to a different Hospital to get checked out. After giving me a proper exam, they found a tumor in my pancreas. I was Diagnosed with Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer with stage 3 tendencies. The moment those words left my Doctors mouth, the world around me stop. Everything seem to dissappear and all I could see in front of me were my 3 girls. My soon to be wife, and my precious babies. How could I every leave them behind. The devistation I felt couldn't have been more unbearable. I had to do what I could for not only myself but for my family. The only thing that matters in life.
But this unforseen turn of events did not stop us from saying I Do. My wife and our family and friends where able to make the wedding go on. We married in a small Chapel in the Hospital. (Thanks to our Pastor, and our Amazing photographer and his team!) They were able to Skype the Ceremony to the venue so our family and friends could still be a part of our special day. Though I did not get to take part in our Reception party, I am lucky to have been able to marry the woman I love.
After a week or two of Finally getting our Financials in order I was given a Doctor to start me on Chemotherapy. But by them my Cancer had rapidly spread to the liver and was now Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Several rounds of Chemotherapy help shrink the Tumor a couple Cms. After less then a Year of Chemotherapy, My tumor has not shrunk any less and is instead growing. I am a Cancer patient currently fight to keep my family Whole. I have stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and chemotherapy has failed me. I am Now looking for Clinical Trials to prolong my Life. This being the case, I would like to give my family a memory they will never forget. And with out your help, I will not be able to do so. I have two beautiful daughters, ages 3 and 5 and I can't wait for them to have a wonder trip. I am raising money to take my Family and I on what could be our Last chance to go on Vacation as a Family.
My wife has been so strong in keeping the family together, taking care of the kids, taking care of me while I'm sick, doing all the house chorus, all the things I should be doing as the male of the house. I am so thankful to have married such an amazing woman. My children know daddy is sick but do not understand the extent of my Illness. But they help mommy take care of Daddy when they can. Telling me to relax so my tummy booboo gets better. My family deserves this. They deserve to have some happiness is this time of struggle, and sadness. I feel as though I am failing them, not being about to give them this trip on my own. That being said, if you think this is not for you, and you do not choose to help, I understand completely, and thank you for taking the time to read this. For those who do, I want to thank you from the Bottom of my heart. You are making my dream and the dreams of my children come true! God Bless you all.
Organizer
Elijah and Jessica Hodges
Organizer
Merchantville, NJ