NOTE: This is the ONLY public online fundraising effort for Dave Mao and Family. 100% of the funds raised via this GoFundMe campaign are for David and Laura Mao, and will be transferred directly by them into their own checking account.

To know Dave Mao is to LOVE Dave Mao. Nobody else can light up a room or bring joy like him. But of course you know that. Because you know Dave. Or you know someone who knows Dave and who has shared a story about Dave. A story that was utterly hilarious.

It has been my honor and privilege to have laughed at his antics since he and I were in 7th Grade at Highlands Middle School in Fort Thomas (CaketownUSA) Kentucky. In the ensuing (30-plus) years, Dave’s tribe has grown exponentially, from Kentucky to Minnesota to New York, London, and Hong Kong, and finally to his current home in Seattle.

Along the way, Dave's never met a stranger—only old friends he just hadn’t met yet. And he’s slayed many a challenge with his intelligence, wit, and humor.

Unfortunately, cancer doesn't respond to jokes. And Dave has been battling Stage 4 Renal Cancer since it was discovered on March 12, 2021. It was, in short, pretty much everywhere. (Follow his CaringBridge page .)

But, if you know Dave, you know all this. Because he and his amazing wife Laura have kept us all up to date about the fight of their lives as much as possible, every step of the way.

This is as much about Laura as it is about Dave. Laura has been Dave's tireless advocate, caregiver, nurse, paperwork manager, warrior, and 3.82 million other roles from the moment of his diagnosis. All while simultaneously being full-time mom to their two adorable kiddos. Her strength and resilience are astounding.

Many of their friends and family have wanted to do something—anything—to help in a tangible way (I’ve been in several of those conversations). All of us are distressed that we live too far away from Seattle to help Dave and Laura in person.

This fundraiser is, therefore, an opportunity to relieve Dave, Laura, and their “mini-mes” of all the expenses that come with a diagnosis and battle like this—medical and otherwise. Yes, there’s a MealTrain that’s keeping them fed, and they have health insurance. But we all know, even the best health insurance doesn't cover everything.

The only thing they should have to focus on right now is Dave's care and spending quality time as a family—not bills. Now is the time to share our love and a smile with Dave and Laura. Please consider a donation.