Gary is beloved by his family and friends, as he has been a source of encouragement and support to so many over the years. Gary was diagnosed with cancer, with ongoing concerns that the tumor will spread further to his urinary/renal system. Although he has been offered multiple options to treat his condition, the procedures that would qualify his medical expenses under his current insurance arrangements would likely lead to multiple permanent disabilities. That outcome would limit his ability to live a full quality of life and continue many of his ongoing interests and functions, including teaching, traveling, and participating in other normal routine activities.

Alternatively, there are several focal therapies that have been recommended for Gary’s treatment that could be lifesaving and life-prolonging and permit him to maintain a higher overall quality of life. Unfortunately, despite the wide success of many of these focal procedures that target the cancer without removing organs and damaging surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues, these therapies are not covered by U.S.-based private medical insurance or Medicare. Gary would need one or more of these therapies, but his insurance carrier categorizes these procedures as experimental or investigational despite their high success rates for eliminating or controlling cancer in the treated areas. Since the specific procedures are not covered by insurance, neither are his other related costs, including his hospital stays, aftercare, and some follow-up treatments.

Gary was unable to continue teaching due to the uncertainty surrounding his diagnosis and treatment. He is scheduled to have another biopsy in November as a prerequisite for focal therapy that will be undertaken in late December or early 2027, after the biopsied organs have a chance to heal. Depending on the focal therapy chosen and the number of treatments, his initial medical expenses, aftercare, and living assistance are projected to exceed $50,000. Gary did not anticipate that a medical condition would lead to early retirement, nor did he plan financially for necessary medical treatments that are not covered by his medical insurance.

We are starting this GoFundMe to ease the burden on Gary and are hoping that raising money for him will allow him the opportunity to spend his time focused on his upcoming treatments and recovery. The medical and other related costs are expected to continue piling up as treatments continue. We all know that Gary has a deep faith and trust that God will heal and sustain him, but we do not want him to carry this financial burden alone as he continues to fight for his life.

Gary is a highly respected educator and has had a profound impact and ongoing influence on his former students, whom he has taught at multiple international and U.S.-based educational institutions. When discussing with him some of his community of friends and colleagues, he spoke with excitement about his fraternity brothers in Kappa Alpha Psi and mentioned a longstanding special relationship with some members of his high school class referred to as The Family.

He especially remembers with great fondness the cherished relationships he continues to nurture with his former students and colleagues at the American University of Sharjah and American University in Dubai in the UAE, Gulf University for Science & Technology in Kuwait, Ningbo University of Science and Technology in China, and Whittier College near Los Angeles. It is amazing to speak with him when he is in his element as a raconteur, recalling stories of the many students he assisted in their academic and personal lives and their professional careers. Professor Gold is an award-winning instructor at several educational institutions for excellence in teaching.

Gary’s family is so grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers and will appreciate any donation you can make to help him navigate this daunting journey.

For those unable to contribute, we are sure Gary would welcome and appreciate your prayers, and your reflections and reminiscences about his past interactions with you. Please help us share this appeal for financial assistance and reach others who have been positively or meaningfully influenced by Gary’s life and work, including his legacy and vision.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Brian Marrocco, Destiny Randle, Gregory II & Dyanna Gold, Andre Garcia, Saeed Gholipour, and Zainab Umar