Stand by Eric and Crystal in Their Time of Need

My name is April Parker, and I am helping to raise money for our very dearest and best friends of over 24 years, Eric and Crystal Jones. Eric and my husband, Rick, have been best friends - brothers - for 35 years. Eric and Crystal are some of the kindest, most generous, and caring people we know. They have always been so quick to help others in need; usually the first to offer their assistance in any way they can if there is a need to be met. Speaking for myself, there have been times I don't know how we would have survived if not for their kindness and generosity in our times of great need. Now, they are the ones needing the help.

Last month, on April 8, 2025, Eric went to the doctor thinking he had pneumonia or bronchitis. After blood work and X-rays, it was determined a CT scan was needed immediately to rule out a pulmonary embolism. Shortly after having the CT scan done, they received a phone call that no one ever wants to get. "Mr. Jones, there is a mass in your lungs consistent with lung cancer that is 8.4 cm in the center of the left lung." They were told they would be getting a call from UT Pulmonary. Within two days, he was in the ER at UT Hospital, which is where he stayed for the next 13 days. During this time, many tests were administered to determine if it was cancer and if so, the type, including an MRI of the brain, several scans, and a biopsy. On April 23rd, he got the definitive diagnosis of Limited Small Cell Lung Cancer, which is a very aggressive and rapidly spreading cancer with no cure.

He began chemo on April 28th and will do four 3-day cycles, possibly six, 21 days apart if his body can handle it. Upon his next cycle, which begins May 20th, he will also begin radiation, which will be 30 straight weekdays of radiation - no breaks. He had a PET scan on May 15th.

Before all of this, Eric was working full-time. But since April 8th, he has been unable to work. He currently has no job to return to. They are living on what little bring-home pay Crystal makes as a Family Model Provider and Day Service Provider (which is fancy terminology for a foster parent to an adult with special needs) for a special needs girl. And the medical bills are piling up. They are struggling to just pay their regular bills and put food on the table at this point. They have paid over $900 for medicine that is not covered by insurance thus far, which has all drained what little savings they had. Their individual out-of-pocket max is $7,900 with the family out-of-pocket max being $15,800.00. Just in medical bills, they could owe $15,000 or more (since he has medications that are not covered by insurance at all).

Above all, they desire your prayers for his healing. At this point, ANY monetary donation helps - even just $5.00. Any money raised will go towards bills and putting food on their table. Please share this fundraiser for them. We will be making regular updates.