My name is Ava, and I’m creating this fundraiser for my dad during one of the hardest seasons our family has ever faced. He is currently battling stage 4 Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma.

My dad was first admitted to the hospital on November 3rd, 2025 after doctors found an obstruction and suspected cancer in his appendix. After a week of testing, an exploratory surgery, and being admitted, he was officially diagnosed with Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma on November 10th and discharged home. From that moment on, his fight with cancer began.

What followed were constant doctor visits, travel to specialized cancer treatment centers, and endless appointments — all of which took a physical, emotional, and financial toll on our family.

Before all of this, my dad was a strong, healthy 49-year-old man. He went to the gym daily, spent time with our animals, and waited for me to get home from work so we could spend time together. I am his oldest daughter, and he has always been my greatest support and my best friend.

Recently, his condition began to decline rapidly. He became too weak to get out of bed and struggled to attend his radiation appointments. On December 22nd, 2025, he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after feeling that something was terribly wrong. After more testing and scans on Christmas Day, we were told his body could no longer maintain safe hemoglobin and platelet levels. Doctors also discovered he had developed sepsis, fluid in multiple areas, and that the cancer had spread to his bone marrow.

At that point, my dad, our family, and his doctors made the heartbreaking decision that hospice care would be the best way to keep him comfortable and at peace. He now requires frequent transfusions and daily medical care. His wishes are to be cremated so that he can always remain close to me and our loved ones.

My dad has always been the person who puts others first. He brings joy everywhere he goes — with his bright personality, his love for music, and his huge heart. He is a proud Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan, born and raised in Pittsburgh before moving to his forever paradise in sunny Florida. Everywhere he goes, he makes friends easily and brings light into people’s lives.

He has always wanted the very best for me and continues to teach me about life even through this. He is my world — and I am his world.

He is also a loving father to Anabell. A loving bonus father figure to Gianna and Tristan, and would do anything for his family. He has always been the person to help anyone in need — and now, asking for help is not easy, but it is necessary.

We are asking for support to help cover medical costs, daily care, and final arrangements so that my dad can remain comfortable, surrounded by love, and at peace.

Prayers, love, and any support are deeply appreciated.

Thank you for helping us care for someone who has given so much love to others. ❤️

UPDATE 1/17/2026//

On January 14th, 2026, Damon went in for a CT scan after a trial session of chemo over the weekend. Results came back showing there was active bleeding in the brain. There was no reverse or anything to be done at the time. The only option was to consent to my father being put into hospice care. After about 48 hours being in hospice care, my father took his last two breaths on January 16th,2026 at 10:55pm. My father was welcomed in the gates of heaven by my late gram and pappy, welcoming their baby boy back into their arms. Rest easy Dad, I love you. ❤️