For over 40 years, Missy and I have worked tirelessly to make our own way in the day-to-day world, striving to be fully self-sufficient and never asking for help from friends, family, or the government. We believed it was our duty to take care of ourselves, our family, and each other through consistent hard work and diligence. We succeeded up to the point that colorectal cancer was discovered by an emergency room the day before Missy and my 22nd wedding anniversary.

Since my diagnosis, I have only been able to earn two weeks of income. The physical and psychological barriers that come with cancer have made it impossible to keep up with our usual responsibilities. The financial strain has been overwhelming, and we are now facing late bills, the need for nutrition and supplies, and medical aids that are not covered by insurance. The loss of income has put a tremendous amount of pressure on both myself and Missy, and we are struggling to make ends meet.

Asking for help is not easy for us, but we are reaching out to our community in hopes of finding support during this difficult time. I completely understand that today we are all feeling an unprecedented financial strain that is placing a heavier and heavier burden on family members to maintain financial normalcy and peace of mind. Any assistance will help us catch up on bills, afford necessary nutrition and medical supplies, and relieve some of the financial burden we are carrying. Your kindness and generosity would mean the world to us as we navigate this challenging chapter in our lives.