Richard Broucek: A Friend, A Father, A Fighter

Welcome, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here! I'm Ally Basner, and I've created this fundraiser for someone incredibly special: my dad, Richard Broucek, or as some affectionately call him, Ricky B, Ricky Ricardo, and BroDog!

He's an amazing father to myself and my sister, Meagan, and the perfect grandpa to my nephew, Hunter! Family truly comes first to him.

In 2024, my dad received an advanced diagnosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma. While it's been a challenging road, filled with all day appointments and unexpected hospital stays, we've focused on having a Positive Mental Attitude along the way and have found strength in each step. We're incredibly grateful to have a dedicated medical team at the University of Michigan, who are working tirelessly with us. We will always hold Michigan Medicine near in our hearts.

Mott Children's Hospital saved Meagan's life by performing the Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan procedures for her HLHS diagnosis. Three hospitals at the time (1990) knew how to perform these procedures. One of them being C.S. Mott Children's of University of Michigan! Michigan Med also helped my other sister, Laura, with her end of life care before she eventually passed of Uterine Cancer. My Tourette's Syndrome was diagnosed at Michigan when I was six years old. We will are forever grateful for The University of Michigan Medicine Program. GO BLUE!

Now, we're focusing on supporting dad through his intense chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.

As many know, cancer treatment comes with significant financial burdens. The cost of these life-sustaining therapies, along with the necessary medications and ongoing care, is substantial. Dad's been so strong, but the treatments have meant he needs to stay home and rest, unable to work, which has added to the financial strain. We're actively exploring every avenue for assistance, including medical grants and financial aid programs, to help alleviate some of this pressure.

In the meantime, we're reaching out to the amazing community of friends and family who have always been a source of love and support. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us during this time, and any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in helping us provide my dad with the care he needs.

The hope is that donations can help lighten the load during this incredibly difficult time, financially, physically, and mentally. Dad taught us so many life lessons throughout the years. One lesson specifically, has always stayed with me. “The worst someone can say is no." We appreciate any amount you can provide and truly hope you know how thankful we are for everyone in our corner. You can also support by sharing with others to help spread the word. Who knows, maybe our adorable and precious father daughter relationship will go viral. <3

I'll leave you with one last thought. To me, my dad is everything. He helps me feel whole. He brightens each room he enters. He makes me laugh and smile. He is my person. If myself or my dad have ever made you smile, made you laugh, helped brighten your mood - please consider supporting to help those moments and precious memories continue and live on. Today, you can help us laugh and smile. <3

Here's to my best friend. Love you dad.

P.S. Check out the song about us I had made as a gift for him (lyrics in the video description)

*For those who prefer, you can also support directly via Venmo to bypass fees: [@Richard-Broucek]*