#smethurstSTRONG

"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an OCEAN." - Satoro


The Situation
Growth. It's a word that most times has positive implications....typically a word that we are excited to hear.  But on December 21, 2017, "growth" was not the word that Nick and Alysha Smethurst were expecting to hear from Nick's doctor at the Mayo Clinic.
"Growth" meant that Nick's intestinal cancer (GIST) was back for a third time, just 1 month after blood tests had indicated that things looked good. The chemo pill that he had been on for the past 4 months after surgery to remove a malignant tumor had not been doing its job. Who would ever imagine that at the age of 39, cancer had so many times already threatened this happy, good-natured, Minnesota family man.

Downhearted, but never defeated, Nick and Alysha walked out of that doctor's office ready to tackle whatever lay ahead. They with their 2 sweet kiddos Landon and Addison (Addi) will walk boldly through this trial...not without fear, not without tears, but still in faith and courage. MANY obstacles need to be overcome, but they are determined to get Nick the best medical opportunities to survive and THRIVE!!

The Family
Nick, Alysha, and the kiddos live in central Minnesota and are surrounded by loving extended family. The Smethurst family is active in their Minnesota community and are involved in Eagle Brook Church, Blaine campus; Dancin' Feet Dance School; Jam Hops gymnastics; Andover lacrosse; Andover basketball; Andover football. Nick is a beloved assistant coach on his son's football team, the Andover Huskies, and recently enjoyed being on the sidelines as they played at US Bank Stadium! The family LOVES to spend time outdoors, especially fishing and boating! Traveling also brings them much joy.  A relaxing pasttime they love is watching football together and cheering for their FAVE team (we'll leave you guessing as to who that is!)
They simply love. being. together.

What can we do to meet the urgent needs of this precious family?? Read on.



The Needs

1. This invasive cancer needs to be stopped. Period. Nick's team of doctors and Nick himself will do everything they can to squelch this awful disease. Pray for our God to abundantly heal and restore health.

2. In a situation like this, finances are a REAL and URGENT concern, thus the creation of this page.

Some major IMMEDIATE financial concerns that need to be met quickly:

- Lost wages
Nick, who is a very hard worker, has not been able to work his 2 jobs for some time and will not be able to provide for his family for the foreseeable future.
Alysha is also missing work at her full time and part time jobs.
 - Medical care
Upon recommendations, Nick needs to be seen by a specialist who is experienced in this rare form of cancer. He and Alysha need to travel to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston as soon as possible.
- Medical bills
Past, present, and future...the list is long
- Travel
To and from Houston and to local and regional medical appointments; housing and food during extended stays
- Basic household expenses
- Healthy, wholesome food 
To provide his body healing support
- Supplements 
For optimal healing success
- Kangen Water system
To provide alkaline water to his very acidic body
- Treatment recommendations as they become known

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How We Can Help

Obviously the need is great; but that is where WE come in!!! Every donation MATTERS and is APPRECIATED by this beautiful family! Whether you can give $20 or $20,000, every drop adds up to become an ocean of blessing that will speak LIFE into Nick.
 
Give big. Give now. Make a difference.

*Simply follow the prompts to GIVE and support the #smethurstSTRONG cause.

{{For every $5,000 reached, Landon and Addi have a surprise for you!!! Be watching for UPDATES!}}

And SHARE on Facebook!!!!! As soon as we reach 200 Facebook shares, a drawing will take place for some of Alysha and Nick's FAVORITE supplements!!!

*Please include these hashtags when sharing: #smethurstSTRONG #GISTcancer

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Want to know more about Nick's story??
Check it out. 

TImeline:
2006 - Nick and Alysha are married
2007 - Landon Walker arrives
2009 - After symptoms of weakness and low hemoglobin show themselves, Nick's GIST cancer is discovered and his first surgery occurs
2009 - Addison Jacqueline arrives
2014 - After 5 years of visits and scans, no additional tumors are found
2017 - While celebrating the 4th of July with family in WI, Nick is in an ATV accident. The doctors believe he has blood pooling in his abdomen, so they do immediate surgery, only to find a malignant mass that has ruptured. Nick begins chemo immediately. Everyone gives thanks that the accident revealed the tumor!
2017 - After 4 months of chemo, Nick has labs drawn at Mayo Clinic in November. The oncologist reports that the labs look good! It appears the chemo is working.
2017 - Nick starts to experience discomfort in his abdomen. During the December visit, it is discovered that another large mass has grown, just 4 months after the most recent mass was removed.

THIS, dear friends, is why this family needs your help NOW.
We must stop this invasive cancer from progressing.
The future of this family right here...worth every penny you give.
And they entirely appreciate your support.
God bless.