****Updates of Billy's journey are below, we will keep updating this thread at the bottom.****

Billy Berlese has cancer and needs your help! Last October, Billy was misdiagnosed with a hematoma which was later found to be cancer. The stage 3 cancerous tumor was identified too late and, as a result, Billy will have to have his right leg amputated below his knee.

Billy, a devout fisherman, is embarking on his life-long dream vacation to sail the Alaskan Seas with his friends. This fishing trip has been previously paid in full because it has been years in the making. As a result, he will begin chemotherapy in June, prior to his trip. Upon his return in August, he will have surgery to amputate his leg.

The unknown medical costs and needs are overwhelming plus the fact that he will be out of work for months. We all know that this procedure will drastically affect Billy’s day to day life. While he has the most important things- friends, family and faith- we are confident that, together, we can help ease the financial strain for Billy so that he can focus on healing and health. Our goal is to raise $50,000 and we need your help!

If you would like to send Billy a venmo directly, you can do so @BillyBags71 or you can donate via GoFundMe.

Thank you all for your support and generosity!

6/27/25 Update!!

Billy's port was put in last week and he started chemo this week. He had 3 days in a row of about 8 hours per day of chemo treatments. He is getting his trigger shot today and going home to rest. He is starting to feel the side effects of the chemo but his spirits are strong. When he returns from his Alaskan trip the doctors will decide if he's going straight to the amputation stage or if they will do another round of chemo and then schedule the amputation at the end of August. The chemo is imperative in order to prevent the spread of his cancer. Please keep the prayers coming and please continue to share his story. We appreciate all of you! Billy's journey is going to be a long one.