In August of 2018 our Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and throat cancer. He started a very aggressive chemo treatment that prevented him from returning to work. At the start of treatment he responded well though, eventually, it began to takes its toll on his body. With his loss of employment, also came the loss of his insurance and our parents were down to a single income.

They were making due with his disability and Mom's income; however, in December of 2019 our Mom did a stint in the hospital with severe abdominal pain that later turned out to be Renal Cell Carcinoma. It was advanced kidney cancer, now stage 4, as well. She was able to go on long term disability through her employer, but the company made cut backs and she was, in time, laid off. They are now relying on their full term disability, which is a significant cut back.

Mom losing her job also meant they lost their remaining insurance. They had to switch to a rather expensive Cobra Insurance to cover their treatments and medications. It turns out that you cannot, under a certain age, go on Medicare before being on disability for 2 years, leaving them both shy of that marker when Mom was laid off. 

Our Dad's throat is at the point where a feeding tube had to be placed in his abdomen (for a second time) because trying to eat solid foods was causing him to asperate.  The food he needs is especially costly, around $250 for a box of 48 meals or two weeks worth. That is in addition to their rising medical debt and everyday bills, that are getting overwhelming. Myself, my brother, and my sister, are doing our best to help in any way possible, but we are all struggling to keep up.

We are reaching out to all of our wonderful friends, family, and community for additional support in this long fight ahead. Every little bit helps to keep our parents and our family moving forward during this difficult time!

We could never truly express how much your support means to us! 

Thank you all,
The Howard Family