Hello Everyone,

We wanted to share with you all about our friend and colleague, Isaac Deken. Below you'll hear from Isaac's family and learn about the cancer he's facing. Isaac is a wonderful family man, father, & husband. We also know Isaac from his work in youth ministry at multiple parishes in the Diocese of San Diego, and with the Diocese itself. Multiple youth ministers around the diocese have been in many planning meetings with Isaac over the past 20 years. Isaac has always brought unique perspectives and needed insights to our conversations. Probably most of us would say he has also given us many moments of laughter (sometimes to tears), with his wonderful brand of humor. Isaac has been an incredible example to all of us of how to live your faith. If you know Isaac, then you don't need us to share anymore because you know what we're talking about. We invite you to read on and hear from Isaac and his family as to what he's currently facing.

In late August, stomach pain sent Isaac to the hospital in the middle of the night. His wife Holly was with him when scans in the emergency department revealed a large tumor in the colon that had metastasized to the liver in multiple locations.

Isaac was anointed by his pastor Fr. André and a procedure that evening relieved the bowel blockage and pain that was caused by the colon tumor. Although, over the weekend in the hospital Isaac’s liver function improved, the placement of tumors in the liver is a serious medical concern.

Ten days after finding the cancer Isaac had his first round of chemotherapy. The treatment plan includes chemotherapy every two weeks going forward. The goal is to shrink the colon tumor to allow for more normal bowel function and to keep the liver tumors small enough to allow Isaac’s liver to continue to function.

We pray for a miraculous cure to allow Isaac more time to be a husband to Holly, a father to his seven children (ages 11-19) and minister to the young people of Guardian Angels Catholic Church.

If you can give to this gofundme for Isaac, it would go a long way towards alleviating medical bills for their family. Isaac's is the sole income for the family. We, as youth ministers, know what a big deal that is and what a financial burden this will be for the family. We are leaving the goal of this fund-raiser dynamic because between the chemo treatments and the five days in the hospital, it's difficult to know what the total bills will be. Anything you can donate will be helpful. Having said that, Isaac himself has stated that what is most important to him and his family is your prayers. So, let's all say a prayer for a miracle and if you are able to donate, please know that it is very much appreciated.

Submitted by Isaac's friends and colleagues in youth ministry in the Diocese of San Diego.