After a year of begging for answers from multiple doctors as to why my “cousin” has felt sick, in pain, and unable to eat or function, he received the worst news of his life a few weeks ago—Stage 4 Gastroesophageal Cancer. At this point, it has spread everywhere—his liver, his esophagus, his ligaments… and his prognosis doesn’t look good. But Brett Greeger is one of the toughest fighters I know. He began chemo, and although it is wreaking havoc on his body, he has chosen to stay the course to be here for the people he loves. If anyone can kick cancer’s butt, it’s Brett—someone who has proven to be resilient time and time again. But after being unable to work since August due to an undiagnosed terminal illness, he needs your support. Please consider donating to help Brett get out of the debt he has accrued since August when he was unable to work, and no one would listen, so he can focus on his treatment and recovery. He has applied for disability, which should help ease the burden moving forward, and thankfully his care and treatment have been covered by insurance, but rent, food, etc., all come at a cost.

A little bit about Brett… we’re not really cousins, but we were raised that way, and he is one of the closest family members I have had throughout my life. In his own words, he can be a “knucklehead” at times (like many of us), but he has one of the biggest hearts I have ever known. As the big brother I never had, he was ready to square up if anyone messed with his “little sis,” but would also give the shirt off his back to someone in need. Now that same big heart has transferred to the big, beautiful, blended family he has created over the years. He has 4 kids ages 10–26 and a stepson he loves like his own. He remains friends with his exes (if that tells you anything about the kind of person he is) and is a loving son to his ma and best friend to his younger bro.

I am personally in disbelief at this news and so angry that no one took the time to listen and look deeper a year ago. Brett has been vocal about the importance of being your own advocate, and I hope we all take his words seriously. If something doesn’t feel right—don’t let up! You know your body best.

Now, all he wants is a fighting chance to stay around for all of us. If you can support, please do. And if you know Brett, please reach out and let him know you are thinking of him and sending prayers, good vibes, and positive thoughts. Those messages mean everything and remind him why he’s gotta pull through.