Some stories are incredibly hard to share, but they matter because they remind us how deeply community and love matter.

My best friend Erin and her husband Ike are going through one of the most difficult seasons imaginable. He has been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer, and we recently received the heartbreaking confirmation that the prognosis is terminal. The cancer has metastasized to his spine, chest, shoulder, hip, and lymph nodes. Doctors have shared that time is limited.

To know him is to know a man who lives to work, provide, and make others happy. He is the kind of person who never wants attention, never wants to “bother” anyone, and certainly never wants to ask for help. Even through much of his cancer journey, he held two jobs simply to make sure his family never went without. That’s who he is - steady, hardworking, proud, and deeply loving.

He is a first-generation American whose parents are from Nigeria and a proud member of the IGBO community. He and his devoted wife share three brilliant, hardworking sons who are the center of his world. His love for his family is unmistakable, and his strength has been nothing short of humbling.

Right now, this beautiful family needs to be surrounded by care, comfort, and support. We ask for prayers for his comfort and peace, and for strength and love to wrap around his wife and children. If you feel moved, meals, gift cards, or simple acts of labor and kindness are deeply appreciated each one a reminder that they are not walking this road alone.

With their permission, we will share updates as they navigate the days ahead. Thank you for holding this family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts.