Stand with David Richards in his Cancer Battle

Meet my wonderful nephew, David Richards. David was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 23. A Synovial sarcoma was discovered in his left leg and further tests revealed the same cancer as smaller spots on the lungs, which means some spreading has occurred. We are optimistic about David's treatment and recovery. I know so many people are praying diligently for David and his family. Keep those prayers coming! Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen! David is doing great, has a positive outlook and is a strong individual. He is an alligator wrangler, after all!

His medical team will be treating the cancer aggressively with chemo, radiation and surgery, which means David will be unable to work during his treatments and recovery periods. He has also had to take an unexpected break from pursuing his education. He has a wonderful family by his side (my sister Michele, her husband Lonnie and their four other children Zachary, Jacob, Daniel and Hannah), as well as an equally wonderful fiance Esther and many extended family and friends who love him. Understandably this has come as an unwanted surprise for everyone.

David calls lovely Palm Bay home but will need to travel across the state for his treatments at Florida's top cancer hospital, Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa. We are all confident that he is in the best of hands and are so grateful that this resource is available to him.

The team at Moffit will administer six chemo treatments to David four days in a row with two weeks off, and He will receive radiation five days a week for 7-8 weeks. Due to recovery time and keeping things as stress-free as possible, David and his mom or other family member will stay in Tampa for the ongoing treatments for at least 8 weeks. Surgery will occur after the radiation is finished, with needed recovery afterwards. Chemotherapy will continue for some time after surgery. Blood transfusions will also become necessary.

Due to the distance between David's home and Moffit, there will be significant financial needs for travel, accommodations, meals and uncovered medical expenses. We can stand by David's side through providing financial donations, which will go a long way in helping to alleviate the financial stress with all the contributing factors involved. Please consider donating, and also share with others. Any donation amount is helpful and greatly appreciated. We are beginning with the goal of 5,000.

Thank you for your support for David and his family during this time! The Richards family is very grateful, along with everyone else! We look forward to his complete healing!