What comes to mind when you think of George? Oh, his smile! His zest for life! His love for his beautiful wife and his three wonderful sons! He's a dearly loved son, brother, uncle, and friend to all who know him!

About four months ago, all seemed great: backpacking in the wilderness, cutting wood, enjoying life with his family, and, the occasional minor back pain. But then, in a matter of weeks, our George went from strong mountain man to not being able to walk on his own. In November, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma: a blood cancer that forms from the plasma cells in your bone marrow. Unfortunately, most do not know they have this cancer until it has spread throughout the bones. George had no idea he had cancer until he found out he had a broken spine, hip, and ribs, in addition to many other disintegrating bones. All these bones were breaking and causing excruciating pain at a high rate of speed. He went from hiking one week, to then needing a cane, then walker, to wheelchair, to barely being able to move or walk in a matter of weeks. As you can imagine, this has been shocking for all, and so, so painful for George. Yet even amid excruciating pain, George still finds words to comfort and encourage others. He is brave beyond belief!

George has been told that this will most likely be a life-long battle as there is no cure for this type of cancer at this time. But, there is very promising news...the cancer has not spread to George's organs and there is much hope this cancer can be battled and managed. The doctors have mapped out a plan to aggressively treat this. It will be a long road and not everything can be done all at once. Radiation was done in December to spot treat the tumors that had been growing in the bones, causing the bone breaks. Right now George is undergoing chemo treatments to fight the systemic blood cancer. In addition, there is a myriad of drugs and supplements he is prescribed. Once the tumors have shrunk and the blood cancer is under control, then his bones can start to regrow. At a later time, bone marrow transplant and spine surgeries will be addressed.

The Rios' do have health insurance, but as with many insurances, their insurance does not cover everything. They have high deductibles, co-pays, services and medications that are not covered, travel expenses, lodging expenses, costly lifestyle changes, and a loss of income. It is already adding up and it is going to continue.

George is a believer in Jesus and takes great comfort in knowing his family and friends are praying for him. We know he has the faith and strength to fight this battle. So number one, we ask you to join us in praying for Georgie.

"...pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

We also want to eliminate as many stressors as possible to enable George to have the mindset needed to beat this cancer and focus on the fight, not the finances. If you are able to help financially in any way, your generosity will be so very appreciated. George is not asking for this, but we know he greatly needs it. Please consider spreading the word about this fundraiser so that as many people as possible can be made aware of this need and join us in helping to support George in his battle with cancer.

Thank you so very much!

Sonja

(George's big sis)