There are moments in life that split everything into before and after.

This is ours.

Ryan—my husband, our sons’ dad, the steady hands of our family—has served on active duty since December 2007. For nearly two decades, he has dedicated his life to something bigger than himself: protecting others, showing up with quiet strength, and carrying the weight of responsibility with unwavering commitment.

He has always been the one others could rely on.

Now, he is facing the fight of his own life: stage 4 cancer.

Since that day, life has become a blur of hospital rooms, hard conversations, long nights, and fragile hope.

Some moments feel unreal.

Some feel unbearably heavy.

Most, we are simply surviving.

And yet… we are not alone.

I’ve stepped into the role of caregiver, advocate, and anchor—coordinating appointments, managing medications, learning how to navigate home infusions, while still trying to hold together the everyday pieces of life for our young toddler and two older sons.

It is a lot.

More than we were ever meant to carry alone.

So many of you have reached out—asking how to help, how to show up, how to hold us through this. This space was created because of you.

Your support helps us stay focused on what truly matters:

•Being present with Ryan

•Creating moments of peace in the middle of chaos

•Caring for our sons through uncertainty

•Navigating the weight of medical and daily life expenses

If you’re able to give, we are deeply grateful.

If you can share, that is just as meaningful.

If all you have is love to send—please know we feel that too.

We are learning, day by day, what it means to be carried.

Forever grateful for you,

Lauren Rae & Family