Support Maddie in Honoring Her Dad

Hi Everyone,

My name is Maddie and I am 19 years old. On July 1st, 2024 I lost my dad, my best friend, role model, and my hero. Even though our time together got cut short I am so thankful I had the world’s best dad. We have made so many memories together that I will forever hold close to my heart. Whether it’s us going on little adventures together, him cooking in the kitchen and making me laugh, or even dancing with me in our living room to the Enchanted soundtrack when I was little.

Anyone who had the pleasure of getting to know my dad would know that he is a funny, outgoing, happy person who always put others before himself. Most importantly he was known to be a fighter. In May of 2017, he was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer. He has always made health a top priority so this came as a huge shock. After months of fighting in and out of the hospital with multiple chemo and radiation treatments, he won his battle against this horrible disease. In May of 2024, he found out he had multiple cancerous tumors in his abdominal and liver area. They told us his cancer was terminal but the type of was undefined since they had never seen it before.

My dad was in multiple hospitals for weeks on end and tried all possible treatments in search of a cure. Through all the pain and suffering he never once gave up. He always told me that he was fighting for me. He kept fighting till the day he passed and has taught me and so many others how to be strong like he was. My dad passing away at age 59 was never something I thought I would have to endure but through all of this, he has inspired me so much.

I can’t put into words how broken I feel inside but I know my dad is no longer in pain and he is in a better place now. I will forever miss calling him or walking into the house and getting a big hug from him.

At this time everyone has been so supportive but I have also been in need of some financial support to get through the coming months as his passing left a huge hole in my life, not only emotionally but financially as well. He did not have life insurance making funeral arrangements a hardship so this would help out in many areas of my life right now. While he was going through all this he was unable to work, being by his bedside daily. Some of the funds will be put toward basic and immediate life needs. A portion will be going to my schooling as my dad’s wish was that I finish college. I would also like to donate a portion of the money towards Hospice of the Western Reserve since they were able to give so much help and support in my dad’s last days as well as to cancer research to help others in similar situations.

Thank you for your support during this difficult time.