A Marine brother of mine is going through tough times right now. To be honest, he's starting the fight of his life. His name is James H. Roberts, but we just called him Jim or Big Jim. Jim wasn't feeling well, so he went to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a serious blood infection. He spent a month in the hospital on IV antibiotics. While treating his blood infection, they discovered that he has throat cancer. What stage and what specific type is still to be determined. During the month in the hospital, he lost his job and burned through what little money he had left. He doesn't really have a place to live anymore and is sleeping on people's couches. He also doesn't have health insurance. He's waiting to get into the Veterans Association hospital in Oregon to start cancer treatment. He's in the process of applying for V.A. disability benefits, but getting approved and how much they will provide, in addition to how long it can take, is an unknown right now. It can take time to get into treatment, and the cancer treatment is going to take some time. He told me he doesn't have anyone left and has pretty much run out of options.

A couple of us have already sent him some help, but I was hoping some more of his brothers, along with anyone that can empathize, could help out a little bit or as much as they can.

It's hard enough to be struggling when you're healthy; it's entirely different to have nothing and really no support and then start your fight against cancer.

I know it's tough out there and all of us are either currently fighting some kind of battle or will in the future. Hopefully, you have the resources to make that easier on you, the family and friends around to support you, but some people don't have that, or anything at all. I couldn't imagine going it alone at a time like this. That's why I'm reaching out and asking for some additional help for Jim.

100% of the funds collected will go to Jim Roberts. Let's hope he beats the cancer and has the strength and support to get back on his feet during his treatment and afterwards.

Thank you.