As cliche as it may sound, it’s true… if you are lucky enough to know Rick and the Gardner Family, you are lucky enough. Rick is the epitome of the backbone of his family and for those he cares about. Unfortunately, he is now facing uncertainty about what the next few months will bring, and he and the family need some support in keeping that backbone strong.

4 1/2 years ago, Rick defied all odds after hearing the dreaded words, “you have cancer.” It was Stage 4 that affected his pancreas, liver, and other surrounding areas. He underwent 600 hours of chemotherapy and an extensive surgery (a Whipple) to eradicate the nasty disease. He did it with the support from his loved ones (like you!) and one hell of a fighter's attitude.

The last few years have not come without complications, mostly digestive issues, a diabetes diagnosis, etc. Rick has taken every hit with a grin-and-bear-it attitude. You’d never know when watching him coach basketball or showing up at every sporting event for his kids that he was in pain or not feeling well.

But, the hits keep coming. Last week, we learned that Rick has Stage 4 cancer, again. The kind? Unclear. The detail of how far spread? We don’t know. All we do know for sure is that it’s Stage 4 and is affecting many areas of his abdomen/digestive tract. Rick had surgery on Monday, 12/22, to help alleviate some of the symptoms he’s experiencing. He was able to come home for a few hours on Christmas and was discharged on 12/26 to home. We are waiting for pathology reports for next steps with inquiries into both NYOH and MSK to determine next steps.

While we don’t know what the exact next steps will be, we have been told they will likely include chemo. However, everything is uncertain at this time. To best support the Gardner Clan during this trying time, we are setting up this GoFundMe. There are so many questions and concerns on the road ahead, and any stress that we can reduce for them, including financial, will be of value.

Rick and Erica, and their beautiful children Jaden, McKenna, and Tyler are so grateful for the love and support surrounding them, now and always. We will be planning ways in the future to show up and support them, but right now our focus is on getting answers and creating a path forward. Please be on the lookout for updates. As we have them, I will share.