Stage 4 Cancer and Looming Homelessness - Please Help

Iain’s Family Is Facing Homelessness – Please Help Us Hold On

I'm writing this on behalf of my dear old friend, Iain, who is bravely facing one of the most difficult chapters of his life. Iain is 75 years old, and he lives in San Diego with his wife Huihong in her late 50s, their 15-year-old daughter Imogen, and their gentle family cat, Sadie.

Iain has spent his life quietly and with purpose, working hard, being a devoted father and husband, and showing kindness to those around him, always willing to go out of his way to help others. But today, he and his family are facing the terrifying prospect of losing their home — at a time when they are least able to cope.

A Long Battle With Cancer

Iain was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005. He survived that fight, even after losing part of one lung. But in 2023, his cancer returned — this time, much more aggressively. Despite months of feeling unwell, Iain was repeatedly misdiagnosed, and by the time the cancer was finally identified, it had reached stage 4.

He’s now on a targeted therapy drug called Alecensa, which is helping to slow the cancer. But the side effects — especially the overwhelming exhaustion — have made it impossible for Iain to continue working. Still, this medication is the best chance he has to survive, and he must keep taking it.

A Family Already Under Strain

Huihong, Iain’s wife, is now his full-time caregiver. She only speaks limited English and is facing the weight of this crisis while also battling severe depression. She’s isolated in a country far from her homeland, watching the man she loves struggle with a devastating illness, unable to earn income, and fearing what the future holds for their daughter.

Imogen, their 15-year-old daughter, is trying to keep up with school while watching her world slowly collapse around her. Like any teenager, she deserves stability, safety, and hope — yet the stress and uncertainty have left her scared. At one point, she asked, “Are we going to be on the street?” That question broke their hearts.

Now, They’re Losing Their Home

Iain and his family have lived in their modest rented home for many years. When Iain became too sick to work, they used their savings to keep up with rent. Eventually, they had no choice but to rent out two of their own rooms just to stay afloat. It was far from ideal, but it kept a roof over their heads.

But recently, without warning, they received a 60-day eviction notice from their landlord. No reason was given. They’ve always been good tenants, never missed a payment, and yet now they’re being forced out. Iain has pleaded for compassion, but the landlord hasn’t even responded.

Without income and without the ability to legally sublet, they are now at immediate risk of homelessness.

Hope on the Horizon – But They Need Help to Get There

There is hope. Iain’s doctors believe that if his treatment continues to work, he may be able to stop taking Alecensa by December 2026. Once the side effects ease, he hopes to return to work and begin rebuilding their lives.

But between now and then, they need help — help to keep a roof over their heads, help to give their daughter a chance to grow up without the fear of homelessness, and help to let this kind, quiet family focus on healing instead of survival.

Please, If You Can – Help This Family Stay Together and Stay Safe

If you’ve ever watched someone you love fight cancer, you know how emotionally and physically exhausting it is. To face it while also losing your home is unthinkable.

Every donation — no matter how small — will go directly toward helping Iain and his family find safe housing and maintain stability during Iain’s treatment. Your kindness could truly change the course of their lives.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, for sharing, and for caring.

❤️
Please donate if you can. Help Iain and his family hold on.