Rick Kirk's Cancer Battle

Since October Rick had been complaining of a sore throat and had went to the doctor a total of three times in a four month time span (he never goes to the doc). The doctors kept thinking he was just sick but he felt something was up! Long story short in the end of March we found a large tumor in his throat that is the size of a golf ball!!! If there is a man who doesn't deserve this to happen he is the guy. He is so healthy, selfless, a person many look up to and a very hard worker.

We recently found out after his biopsy that the tumor came back cancerous and that we would be needing to go to the doctor a lot over the next several months. After finding out that he had cancer they met with one of the best oncologists in the nation and ordered a petscan to see if the cancer had spread elsewhere, THE INSURANCE DENIED THE PETSCAN... I MEAN COME ON HOW CAN THEY DO THAT?!? THE GUY HAS CANCER FOR GOODNESS SAKE! Fortunately the oncologist was able to get it pushed through the insurance after a couple of tries and he had his test, his results came back and he looked healthy but unfortunately the cancer has now spread to one of his lymph nodes. Rick will be beginning radiation and chemo April 20th and will have radiation 5 days a week for 7 weeks and chemo 1 time a week for 6 weeks. His expected recovery time is twelve months after his surgery, radiation and chemo therapy. 

During this time Rick will not be able to work due to the high risk of infection (he owns R&S Sprinklers). This will not be an easy year but we want to help as much as possible. Please show your love and support for Rick and help him get healthy again! 

We will be hosting a fundraising event for him on Memorial Day May 29th, 2017 from 11a.m.-2p.m. at ClarityFit! Thank you all so much!!! 

Fundraising Video Promo: https://youtu.be/k6dB04xunBo 

Fundraising Event Sign Up: https://crossfitclarity.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=419D44F4-D313-46E6-9928-F8EA46543C6F



Here are some words from his children to him:

Hearing the words "your dad has cancer" was one of the hardest things I have had to hear. Thoughts and images flooded my head as I imagined the long battle he had ahead. I thought of how he would feel, look, and sound. I thought of what life would be like for the next year, and I know no matter what, I will fight this like hell by his side. I know that he is the strongest person I have ever known and he does not give up. My dad is one of my greatest friends. He has the greatest sense of humor, compassion for others, and one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. I know that God is on our side and our unwavering faith in Him will help my father and the family immensely during this journey. We have faced many obstacles in life thus far, and have come away with success and great lessons in life. This will be one of the harder battles, but with all the love and support we have around us, we will all survive. My dad may have cancer now, but he is going to beat this as he has any other challenge life tossed his way!

Life is a journey. It's full of obstacles and lessons that shape us for the greater good. My family has endured many obstacles over the years, and we have always pulled together and been supportive of one another for the best outcome.
When my father was first diagnosed, no one said the word we all knew they meant, "Cancer". The word itself brought me to tears. I thought about what this would mean for him and our family. I took a few moments to let it sink in. Once I had regained my composure, I decided to put my emotions to better use.
My siblings and I immediately began messaging each other with words of positivity and encouragement. We began making plans for helping my father regain his health in a loving and stress free environment.
I am of course fearful of the journey ahead, but I am also confident in his strength and recovery. He is the strongest and most determined person I know. He holds our family together with his unconditional love and support.
With the love of his family, support of his community and his faith in God, I am confident that in a year he will be back to himself. He is a kindhearted, fun loving, adventurous soul. He is our rock and he always will be.

Dear father,

I know that we haven't always been as close as we wish we were, a large part off that being my fault, but I love you with all my heart. You are a great father and you have always told me what was on your mind even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear. Thank you for always looking out for me when I wasn't looking out for myself. I can't say I've always been the greatest person, but I like to think that because of you I have been able to turn my life around. I love you more than you know and I know that you will always be here for me. With all my love and respect.

My dad is the strongest most positive person I have ever known. He has gotten through so much in his life and has helped me through so much! I am lucky to call him my father. And I know he is going to kick cancer's butt because he can do anything! I haven't always been the best daughter but he has always been the best dad. I couldn't ask for anyone better to help me through the struggles of life. I love you so much dad! You can do this!!

Growing up without a father had its struggles but when my mom met you I knew that not only she had found someone very special but I had too. You have played the role of a father in my life since the age of ten years old and that is a debt I will never be able to repay! I am beyond grateful for the happiness you have brought to my mother and myself. You are such a great person who deserves nothing but the world. Thank you for always being so selfless and for creating such a great family and loving home. I look up to you and respect how you have impacted my life and made me a good man. I love you, now let's kick cancer in the a*s!