Rally Around Dave and His Family: Help Him Fight Aggressive Thyroid Cancer
Dave and his family thought the cancer battle was behind them. After months of fighting
through appointments, procedures, and treatments, he was declared cancer-free in
December 2025. Life was finally beginning to feel hopeful and normal again.
But just two months later, during a routine follow-up appointment on March 2nd, Dave
and his family were blindsided by devastating news: the cancer is back—and this time
it’s aggressive.
Our goal is simple: to help Dave focus on fighting cancer—not worrying about how his family will get through the months ahead.
If you know Dave, you know he is a great guy.
But if you don’t know Dave, we’d like to tell you about this beloved family man, friend,
and hard-working guy–because right now, he and his family need help. For the last 25 years, Dave has navigated life’s chaos alongside the love of his life, Toni. He’s the kind of dad who shows up for his four kids with humor, unwavering loyalty, and the kind of love that anchors a family. At home, he also pulls double-dad duty as a soft-hearted “fur dad” to three four-legged companions who absolutely adore him.
Dave is easy to talk to. He enjoys listening just as much as chatting, and he treats every
customer like a friend. He takes pride in hard work, solves problems others walk away
from, and often optimistically rises to challenges that would flatten most people.
Simply put, Dave is easy to be around. He can make you laugh even on a bad day—and yes, he’s the guy who bleeds Minnesota Timberwolves blue and green.
The First Battle
In July 2025, Dave discovered a lump in his throat that quickly began interfering with his
breathing. What followed was a whirlwind of tests, procedures, surgery, and treatment.
Through it all, Dave fought hard and exceeded expectations. By December 2025, doctors declared him in remission and believed no further treatment was needed. Dave returned to work, and his family began rebuilding—emotionally and financially—hoping life was finally returning to normal.
Round Two: A Harder Fight
The cancer is back.
In just over two months, Dave went from full remission—with no further treatment needed—to the devastating realization that he now has an aggressive form of thyroid cancer that has spread beyond his thyroid to his voice box, the left side of his neck, and into his lung. Dave will need specialized care, including travel to Mayo Clinic and likely extended time away from home.
The road ahead is complex and uncertain.
Because of this, Dave cannot return to work.
Why We’re Asking for Help
There is hope—real hope—but treatment must begin immediately. This time, treatment will be longer and more complex. Healing will require travel to Mayo Clinic and likely involve extended stays away from home. Dave cannot return to work. During Dave’s first battle, he and his family didn’t ask for help. They pushed through quietly and did everything they could on their own. But this second diagnosis came just over two months after his treatment ended. Their financial reserves are already drained, and now they are facing mounting medical costs, travel expenses, and months without Dave’s income. Long-term disability takes time to begin and will not cover the first five months. Minnesota medical leave will help, but it will not replace his full income.
Simply put, this second fight came too fast for them to recover financially.
What Your Support Will Do
Your generosity will help cover:
● Medical bills and treatment costs
● Travel and lodging for Mayo Clinic visits
● Household expenses while Dave is unable to work
● Financial stability for Dave and his family during this overwhelming and uncertain
time
Our goal is to give Dave and his family some breathing room—the kind that allows him
to focus on healing, not just survival.
It’s Our Turn to Show Up for Dave
Dave is the guy who fixes things.
The one who rolls up his sleeves and figures it out.
The one who shows up when someone needs help.
But this is one problem he cannot solve alone.
Right now, Dave and his family need their community—friends, family, neighbors,
coworkers, and anyone whose life has been touched by his kindness—to stand beside
them.
If you’re able to give, any amount truly helps. Even small donations add up quickly
and can make a meaningful difference for Dave and his family during this incredibly
difficult time.
If donating isn’t possible, you can still help by sharing this page and keeping Dave and
his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Your support will help give Dave the greatest gift right now: the ability to focus on
healing and spending precious time with the people he loves.
Thank you for standing with Dave, Toni, and their family as they face this fight together






