This is Rod Cassidy and I have been reluctant to go public with our need. The only time in the past someone organized a campaign for us was when we lost our precious daughter, Brianna more than ten years ago, to help with expenses. We have prayed about it and because of the urgency believe the Lord is leading us to share our story.

It was that dark and lonely December day, when our lives would be forever changed and we began the ministry of grief and suffering. Only parents who have lost a child, especially an only child, can fully relate to the grueling, agonizing grief that a parent undergoes. Many days and sleepless nights—tears were shed, spontaneous crying erupted, or a surge of grief left us debilitated. Though fathers and mothers grieve differently, Mary’s grief was on a deeper level since she carried Brianna, gave birth and nursed her, and really enjoyed being her mother during her developing years. A special intimate bond existed between them. As a father, the grief I experienced was due not only to the loss, but being a ‘protector’ of my daughter I was not able to be there for her or even to prevent it that horrendous morning. WE BOTH FELT ROBBED by the enemy of our most precious treasure in this life.

We still have our moments, but with the passing of time we have learned to control our feelings and keep them inside (in order to function) We know that full healing will not happen until that day we see and embrace her again, when we will never more part.

Losing a child and the stress that results is enough to put any parent over the edge. But add to that another major crisis, and now you know why my wife’s health failed, just four years after we lost our daughter.

In November of 2018, we experienced the Paradise Campfire. Yes, we are thankful we didn’t lose our home, like so many others did. But all who went through it were displaced for weeks, even months, moving from place to place. It was a very trying time for a whole community, whose lives would never be the same.

Weeks after being displaced, Mary developed some serious health issues, which became complicated trying to diagnose, due to the lack of medical professionals in the area. This was a difficult time ~ experiencing health issues, having to move every few weeks, not knowing how long this process would take, not being able to meet with a health-care professional—doctor, PA, or FNP ~ only created ongoing stress. Nearly three months after the Campfire, we were able to return to our home in Magalia. But how different the environment after the fire. This brought on what we believe became a Communal Chronic Depression or even a PTSD condition for several months of those who remained, trying to readjust to the post-disaster reality.

All throughout 2019, Mary suffered with internal health issues that only worsened. By December, her body had all it could take and she ended up in the ER on two separate occasions. The second time the doctors learned she had five ulcers and a mass at the head of the pancreas, and her blood levels dangerously low at 2.9. [She would not have survived through the night, had she not received several units of blood and plasma infusions.] On to our next phase of the journey of grief.

Several times over the course of that year 2020, visits to the ER became a regular routine, some by ambulance. This was also the time period of the pandemic, being in the hospital was feared, even dreaded. But God protected her through all those visits.

As 2020 began, we both had hopes it was just a benign tumor. But as the results of the tests came back, it revealed a malignant endocrine gastrinoma at the head of her pancreas. Another blow! But it was not surprising, considering these two major life stressor events. We felt we were going through a “Job experience.” Through much prayer, we decided to approach this as would honor God. We thus chose to take alternative treatment options, instead of surgery which would have removed five organs and 25 lymph nodes. This decision required resolve and determination to endure the pressure from her unhappy oncologist, who told her she was headed to an unnecessary early grave, if she didn’t go through with the surgery.

THIS IS WHERE THE JOURNEY REALLY BEGAN…

Through the influence of a lifestyle detox coach there were some simple and natural things we could do to remove the ulcers. It worked! Within two weeks four of the five ulcers were gone. We praised God and knew that Mary had made the right choice, as we continued to pray through the process—from one stage to another. In addition we started applying other simple concepts—spending more time making meals together, eating slower, enjoying the process at mealtime more fully, and thanking the Lord what he had done thus far in this new saga.

By May 2020, through another contact, a naturopath doctor out of the Phoenix area was recommended to us. We contacted him, and he put me on a rigorous lifestyle change and natural therapeutics. She was also receiving specialized blood treatments which helped to fight off the cancer.

An exercise program was also part of her regiment. Her doctor breathed confidence that if we followed the counsel cheerfully, trusting God, he believed the tumor would be gone in four to five months. He had pray with us and we then began this new protocol, under “doctor’s orders.” It was June of 2020, when the country was under lockdowns.

By fall time, Mary had another CT scan and nothing showed up. We praised the Lord. Sure enough, God had rewarded our efforts and prayers. But it wasn’t the end of the story.

Come January 2021, another neuro-endocrine tumor popped up. It was not at the head of the pancreas or the lymph nodes. But this one was in her adrenal gland above her left kidney. This is the tumor she is still dealing with now more than four and half years later. Up until last October/November Mary had been on a regular protocol from her naturopath doctor. Her yearly oncology appointments, including CT scans indicated that the tumor was slowly shrinking. This amazed and baffled her oncologist, for tumors only grow they don’t shrink. But it was a testimony to the power of prayer, what God was doing in her life. Per his own admission, he stated to her in one of those appointments that it “had established his faith in a high power.” We believe this is one reason why God has permitted it to continue, that through the process her witness will reach some of these medical professionals.

But he advised Mary to definitely continue what she was doing. Here is the situation we are in. Mary had to quit approximately eight months ago, due to us emptying out our savings. Naturopathic therapeutics are expensive, and unfortunately not covered by any health or medical insurance.

Now that she has been off her protocol all this time, she will need to begin the process all over. This includes several specialized therapeutics, including blood transfusions which will strengthen her immunity. Unfortunately right now, she is having some side effects, which is the urgency for this appeal.

What we are requesting will cover ~

 Naturopathic supervision over the process

 Therapeutics, including any labs

 Various blood therapies and transfusions to fight the cancer

 Transportation and lodging from California to Arizona, several times

As a father and husband, I’ve lost my daughter (unimaginable grief), I’ve almost lost my dear wife Mary on two occasions, through the process, with many hospital visits during the pandemic (not a pleasant experience). As most of you know, cancers are on the rise with adults and children. We long to overcome this health challenge, but do not have the resources to make it a reality. Therefore, by faith we are appealing to you all who read our story that you would help, if you can financially. If not, then please pray, and share this appeal on your social media account. We appreciate each of you who has taken the time to read our story.

Thank you in advance, God bless you.