How do I start, what do I say? What am I doing? Why do I have to do this? Is this ok? Can I ask for help? My mind is racing every day I wake up hoping all of this was a dream. Everyday I realize it’s not. How do I be the rock for my rock? How do I take away the pain? I know I can’t but I can try my best to make wishes happen and ease the pain of stress. As family and friends, you all know we never ask for much, or if at all. And now I’m here asking for help for my husband to do a little something for him to put a smile on his face. He did not ask me to do this, but when I asked him what he would want, he said to save money so he can leave his little girl a savings. As he will not be here to see her grow up into a lady. He will miss her high school graduation, the father-daughter dances, or the chance to be a shoulder to cry on when she has boy problems. Unfortunately, he does not have life insurance, a 401k, or the ability to continue working.

Let me start from the beginning. My husband has not had the easiest life and has gotten through a lot, losing his father at the age of 14. We met 6 years ago and had our daughter 4 years ago. We have had ups and downs, as many couples have, but have gotten through so many things. But we have been blessed with each other, living the life. Until on Valentine’s Day 2025, he had back pain. After a few days and a trip back to the emergency room, and originally being diagnosed with pneumonia, he was told he needed to be worked up for cancer as a tumor was found in his lung. After two weeks of testing and many hospital visits, he was diagnosed with small cell lung carcinoma that has spread to many other organs, including the pancreas, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, and bones. As oncology told us, this is rare for his age. We have to wait for an MRI to see if it has spread to his brain. Treatment is chemo, and this is an incurable cancer. Prognosis is horrible, with life expectancy ranging from 1-5 years, with 5 being lucky. We were told 1 year guaranteed.

I know he is strong and will fight to make that 5-year miracle. That leaves me to where I am today. If my husband has 1 year, then I want to give him as much as I can. Of course, bills keep coming, and one income is challenging, so saving is not in the question. The unknown of what life will bring is scary. But even if I can raise $500 to give him to put in a savings for our daughter, it would put a smile on his face, and that’s all I want—to make him smile in the time we will be given. In all, I am thankful for anything, as anything helps, and I appreciate you taking the time to read our story.