Hello everyone, 

Writing this has not been easy, but our family has reached a place where we truly need support of our friends and community. At the beginning of September, our world was turned upside down when my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of bone cancer. What started as what we thought was a simple hand injury turned into something far more serious. After several doctor visits and X-rays, we learned the fracture in his hand was caused by his bones becoming extremely brittle from the cancer. 

Since then, his condition has progressed quickly and painfully. He has lost nearly all use of his hands and can no longer do even the simplest daily task like lifting a cup, opening a door, or caring for himself the way he always has. Not long after, he fractured his shoulder just getting out of bed. The following day, he woke up with a growing lump on the top of his head. His legs and feet are severely swollen, his hands and wrists are painful to the touch, and he is in constant, severe pain. It feels like every day brings a new challenge, a new symptom, or another difficult answer. 

My dad has always been fiercely independent taking pride in how he cares for others. He’s the kind of man who has spent his life taking care of everyone else; his family, his home, and the people he loves. The emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial weight of this has touched every part of our lives. 

Initially, his oncologist was uncertain and referred him to a rheumatologist, as cancer presenting in the hands is uncommon. After extensive testing, blood work, and scans, it was confirmed that he has lesions throughout his body, including his skull, fingers, and shoulder. 

We recently made the difficult decision to change oncologists after not receiving the level of care he needed. Thankfully, we now have an exceptional doctor who is proactive and committed to determining the best course of treatment for this aggressive cancer. Watching someone you love endure this level of pain while waiting for answers is heartbreaking. 

We have already felt so much love and kindness from those around us, especially through meals and messages of support. As we continue forward, the costs of medications, treatments like chemotherapy, and the possibility of surgery or radiation will be substantial. 

Our family has never been one to ask for help, but we are deeply grateful for the compassion and generosity we’ve been shown. 

Please keep my father and our family in your prayers as we navigate the days ahead. I will continue to share updates as we learn more. More than anything, we are praying for relief from his pain and for strength to get through this together. 

Any help, whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing this, means more to our family than words can express.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!