In November, right before Thanksgiving, our world changed when my loving husband Jake was diagnosed with stage 3C lung cancer after a routine scan. The mass in his left lung had already spread to his lymph nodes. The doctors told us that without treatment, Jake would have less than a year, but with treatment, there is hope for more time—maybe even up to five years. Since then, Jake has bravely undergone extensive radiation and chemotherapy. During a recent chemotherapy session, his resting heart rate soared to 173, and the cancer center rushed him to the emergency room. There, medication caused his heart to stop three times before doctors were able to stabilize him. After two days in the hospital, Jake was able to come home, but he continues to struggle with exhaustion and weakness. We are now facing more appointments, not only for his cancer but also for his heart. We can only hope the cancer has not spread further.

On top of all this, Jake is the primary earner in our home. Our son, who will be 20 in November, has low-functioning autism and needs around-the-clock care. After talking with friends and family, we realized that starting this fundraiser was a necessity. Our insurance premiums increased in January, and between the higher premiums, copays, and our existing bills, we are drowning. Jake works three jobs, but each week he has to cut back his hours more and more as his health declines.

Donations will help us cover medical costs, daily expenses like gas for appointments, and the funds lost from missed work. We are also hoping to use part of the funds to help prepay for Jake's funeral expenses, as we know this may be necessary in the future. We want to thank each and every one of you who takes the time to donate or share this fundraiser. We appreciate all the well wishes and prayers. It takes a village to raise a child, but you also need that village when transitioning through the hardest parts of life.