My name is John Carmichael, and many of you know my brother Paul. I know if I talk to any family, I don't believe I could find one that has not been touched by cancer in one way or another. I also know that it can be financially difficult to even pay everyday bills such as food, shelter, and other things needed for the home during cancer treatment.

Paul has been fighting throat and mouth cancer for the last 14 months, undergoing many biopsy procedures, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy only to find that the cancer came back in a more aggressive manner. The doctors did surgery to attempt to remove all of the cancer only to find a tumor that has now attached itself to both his carotid artery and his jugular vein and could not be removed due to the growth into both of these blood vessels, and the doctors stopped the procedure and closed him back up.

The doctors explained that there was nothing else that they could do to stop the cancer growth and recommended immunotherapy as a palliative care option and possibly extend his life anywhere from 2 months to 2 years. There are no curative options at this point.

I created this page for Paul and his wife, Tammy, as she has not been able to work much over the last 14 months and is now committed to spending the time necessary daily to ensure Paul is comfortable, loved, and cared for as much as possible. During this time, she will be unable to work.

Some people would look at the goal that I chose as excessive, but as you look at your own families, the economic uncertainty that we face as families, the daily cost of living, and step into his shoes for just a little while, you will understand why the goal is high. Tammy has missed 14 months of full-time work and now looks at not being able to work to ensure that Paul is taken care of. That goal is really not high at all and will only help in a small way when looking at the challenge that they face.

Lastly, I have 195 friends on Facebook and 104 followers on Instagram. Most of my Facebook friends grew up with us and some of my Instagram followers as well. I know that is not many at all, but I would ask that each of you, whether you can donate or not, to please share this through your social media platforms as well. I would also like to say that no donation is too small, and giving to a family who is being held prisoner once again can use any amount. Remember that we can meet this goal successfully by getting everyone aware and involved, and I dare say that we can punch cancer in the mouth by exceeding this goal.