Hi everyone,

As many of you know, my life recently changed when I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The news recently did a story on us, and our community has already shown us so much love through shares, prayers, and encouragement. Taylor and I are truly humbled.

The reality is that over the next several months, my treatment will mean long drives back and forth to Ann Arbor three or four times a week, countless appointments, and the need for me to step back from working so I can focus fully on my health. Taylor will also need to be with me much of the time, which means we’ll have to rely on others more to keep things running at the store and at home.

On top of that, our family has already been hit hard this year. In June, the storm that impacted so many families in Macomb and Mount Clemens flooded our basement and caused serious damage to our home. We had to spend everything we had just to demolish and remove debris, and we waterproofed the space as best we could — but it still needs to be fully redone. It must be replaced to give our seven-person family the living space we once had. Before the fall, we also have to replace our gutters to prevent more flooding and further damage.

We’re also raising five boys — and their needs don’t pause for cancer. Kobe’s daycare, after-school activities for the older kids, babysitting, groceries for a family of seven, gas, mortgages, car notes, and utilities… it all adds up fast. We’ve run the numbers, and just six months of stability for our family while I’m in treatment costs well over $65,000.

We’re setting this GoFundMe goal at $50,000. Every dollar will go directly to:

    •    Covering household and store expenses while I can’t work

    •    Extra staffing so things can keep running while Taylor is by my side during treatment

    •    Childcare, after-school activities, and daycare for our boys

    •    Gas and travel for my treatments in Ann Arbor

    •    Groceries and everyday needs for our family

    •    Finally, addressing the most critical home repairs from the June storm (gutters, basement restoration, waterproofing)

We don’t take this ask lightly. This isn’t about short-term survival — it’s about maintaining stability and building longevity, making sure our family stays grounded and our sons remain as active as possible so they can keep living their lives without carrying the weight of this reality.

Our family and Lil Daddy’s have always tried to be pillars in this community — creating jobs, giving back, showing up for events, and being a place people can count on. This support will allow us to stay stable, keep mattering here in Mount Clemens, and continue being part of the foundation that makes this community strong.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you. Thank you for the shares, the prayers, the donations, and for lifting us up when we need it most.

Marcel, Taylor, & the boys