If you grew up in Oklahoma and love fishing, you probably know Neal Ackerman. If not, let me tell you he the perfect definition of who a grandpa should be, but he also is a best friend to everyone he meets. He is the biggest encourager, listener, goofball, and storyteller I know! He will continue to be all these things, so long as he has his faith and the support of his family and friends.
On May 3rd, 2021, we received the call that no one deserves. My Poppo, Neal Ackerman, after showing few symptoms, had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Just weeks before, he had also been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. He went from being an active, working man who enjoyed hiking with his family to being confined to a limited lifestyle.
So, here we are. We are starting a GoFundMe to humbly ask for help. Before his diagnosis, Neal worked full time to support himself and his wife, Karen. Today, due to loss of income, significant medical bills, and additional finances we find ourselves looking for real and tangible ways that we can help them make ends meet and cover medical costs. As you can imagine, this is not a reasonably priced situation...often, cancer never is. So, we are working fast to find solutions. As we move forward treatment includes chemotherapy, 3 times a week every few weeks, and the treatment for fibrosis costs several hundred dollars each month. That is not an easy price tag for most people, and especially for someone that is unable to work. I’d like to add, we are actively looking for grants as well. We hope to get approved for clinical trials soon, which will then lead to traveling expenses also.
I now understand why people say you have to take the bitter with the sweet. Whether you chose to read this or not, we sincerely appreciate any love and support you may offer. It could be kind words, a donation, or your faithful prayers... either way, we are so very thankful! Neal is a wonderful man, Poppo, dad, husband, and uncle and we believe he deserves hope. Thank you for making that possible.❤️❤️❤️
This page will be updated as time goes on and things change. Please visit back with us to see how Poppo is doing!
On May 3rd, 2021, we received the call that no one deserves. My Poppo, Neal Ackerman, after showing few symptoms, had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Just weeks before, he had also been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. He went from being an active, working man who enjoyed hiking with his family to being confined to a limited lifestyle.
So, here we are. We are starting a GoFundMe to humbly ask for help. Before his diagnosis, Neal worked full time to support himself and his wife, Karen. Today, due to loss of income, significant medical bills, and additional finances we find ourselves looking for real and tangible ways that we can help them make ends meet and cover medical costs. As you can imagine, this is not a reasonably priced situation...often, cancer never is. So, we are working fast to find solutions. As we move forward treatment includes chemotherapy, 3 times a week every few weeks, and the treatment for fibrosis costs several hundred dollars each month. That is not an easy price tag for most people, and especially for someone that is unable to work. I’d like to add, we are actively looking for grants as well. We hope to get approved for clinical trials soon, which will then lead to traveling expenses also. I now understand why people say you have to take the bitter with the sweet. Whether you chose to read this or not, we sincerely appreciate any love and support you may offer. It could be kind words, a donation, or your faithful prayers... either way, we are so very thankful! Neal is a wonderful man, Poppo, dad, husband, and uncle and we believe he deserves hope. Thank you for making that possible.❤️❤️❤️
This page will be updated as time goes on and things change. Please visit back with us to see how Poppo is doing!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Ackerman-Berkeley
Beneficiary