Help Richard win his cancer battle.

In April of 2022 our worlds were turned upside down with my dad’s cancer diagnosis. We literally watched the tumors in his chest grow outward while we waited for medical test after test. We learned patience while we watched my dad wither away and lose vitality and stamina before our eyes. We had never heard the words multiple myeloma. We learned their viciousness soon enough.

 The local oncologist gave dad a death sentence. The doctor never believed dad could beat this incurable cancer that was eating away his bones. He let mom and dad know stem cell transplant was an option, but he wouldn’t reach that. It was something the doctor would not discuss. After the final prognosis of no hope was delivered, the decision to go to MD Anderson was made.

 Dad underwent a week and a half of tests. He now has a team that believed what dad had been saying since the first time the word cancer was dropped. 20+ years. He wants twenty plus years of living and life. The local oncologist dropped his head and shook it when dad told him this; he let him know this wasn’t possible. He couldn’t even hope for seven. In Houston, they agreed and told him he’ll easily achieve 20+ years. Mom and dad were glad they had a team that has hope. All this came with a price.

Back home the costs of his weekly treatments were more than he made a week. In Houston, they ran expensive tests and not everything was covered. Mom sold her car. They’ve made sacrifices. Mom works tirelessly every week on handling all things cancer and balancing doctor appointments and tests.

Dad is now ready for stem cell transplant. He’s finished radiation and on his last cycle of chemo and other medications. There’s been a lot of unexpected expenses along the way. Things that have to be done before stem cell transplant have happened in a lot of ways. During this three months they’ll barely have an income that won’t  even cover necessities.

 It’s so hard to watch how cancer can steal futures, plans and dreams. It’s also hard to watch how it affects your whole life right now. Nothing is the same. My parents have made sacrifices and sold things and made other hard choices. They don’t mind. They are appreciating everyday and enjoying the enriched relationships during this hard time in their lives.

 My parents taught my brother and I to give back. Countless times I’ve watched my dad help someone move something heavy from a cart to a trucked in Sam’s parking lot, or load groceries for an elderly person. My mom has taught us the true meaning of volunteering and contributing to your community. My brother and I have watched while they always jumped in and helped with anything we wanted to do while growing up, whether it was scouts or church or sports. If you’ve ever experienced the hospitality of my parents, you know my mom will make three different kinds of enchiladas because she wants you to enjoy the food. My dad will spend 12 hours or more at the smoker making sure that brisket has just the right color of pink in the smoke ring. They’ve bought countless meals for others over the years…friends and strangers alike.

 It’s so hard for them to ask for anything.That’s where my brother and I come in. We’ve been blessed to see their endless selflessness. To preserve their integrity, I won’t go into details of how hard this has been on them, you’d never know it though with how they continue to smile. Knowing we’ve set up this account hurts their pride and they’ve told us no over and over, but everything has been exhausted at this point. We appreciate anything you have to give, nothing is too big or too small. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to you and your generosity.