Coming Together for Kevin

Kevin a man that many of us call our friend or family has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Let's all pull together and give Kevin and his beautiful family some financial comfort. Below are Kevin's own words:

My story is in no way unique really, or even captivating, yet for the last 42 days I have hoped and prayed one day it would simply be inspiring to those moving forward through their deepest trepidation, uncertainty, belief, hope, and absolute yearning to remain with their loved ones.

Until I reached the age of 40 my experiences and interactions had very little to do with any accolades or notable transitions in life. My life was driven by an insatiable quench for alcohol and a mental deficiency crying out to be free from that bondage of pain, misery and suffering.

I firmly believe that God had something to do with cleaning me up, and making me wait until I got my life together before I could have a family of my own. My kids themselves attest to the fact that I did not begin to have children until I was 43 years old. This is multiple years after I sobered up, got a job, and began walking a path unfamiliar, but oh so rewarding, to me. In the past 14 years alone I believe the truest of blessing was not only my children, but realizing the value of love, compassion, integrity, family, and even humanity at large.

I was given an opportunity fourteen years ago to help others. A wonderful man took a chance on me and in all sincerity, I will forever be indebted to him for his belief in me, his support, tutelage and above all else his friendship.Because of him,  I’ve dedicated my life these past fourteen years to obtaining my CADC (state credentialing), and being a substance abuse/mental health counselor.  The greatest of benefits of all is making a connection with someone else that could be of great need to them. It is about my passion to help others that allows me to excel despite.

I was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer on September 28, 2020, after going to the ER for an injury I received to my ribs after doing a minor typical DIY job over the weekend. To my dismay it has metastasized to the lymph nodes in my lungs, and as is typical spread to my liver, spine and brain.

No amount of rationale, logic, faith, or other method of being grounded could ever possibly describe the constant vacillation between doom and hope that I and I am sure countless others go through daily. Ideally circling back every time to the notion of fight, confront, battle, and overcome. Yet tediously painstaking each and every time.

“…We all have a clock, our time is of course measured, but it isn’t until you are faced with the stark reality of death and its inevitability that you actually hear the clock ticking”.

I AM afraid I am going to die. I have been praying, talking, pleading, and at times even begging God. Not once have I asked Him for anything that I want, but rather to take care of my family when I am gone. Without me my wife will lose our home, without me, she will be laden with being a single parent to four beautiful kids, without me, her partner will not be around to help, guide, encourage, and keep her safe and warm in her home. I unfortunately was a misdirected person for far too long. I didn’t begin paying taxes or even really working until I was 41 years old. I have nearly zero social security benefits entitled to me, and I’m nearing the time where I can’t even work anymore.

I only have a “FATHER’S DREAM”