My dad, Mark, was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer, in the fall of 2025. It honestly came as a shock to us. What started as fatigue and not feeling like himself turned into a series of appointments, scans, and tests that ultimately led to the diagnosis. Like a lot of families, we didn’t expect something this serious, and everything shifted very quickly. Since then, life has revolved around his care. He’s been dealing with ongoing fatigue and weakness, and even day-to-day tasks have become more difficult for him. His treatment requires frequent trips to specialists that are over two hours away each way, which has added another layer of physical and emotional strain. As his daughter, I’ve stepped in as his primary support system—helping manage appointments, transportation, and his overall care—while also trying to keep up with my own responsibilities. It’s been a lot to navigate, and while we’re doing everything we can to stay strong and hopeful, the reality is that this has put a significant strain on us, both emotionally and financially.

Mark is preparing for a major surgery to remove the cancer on April 23rd, and we’re hopeful—but the road to get there has not been easy. The funds raised will help cover medical expenses not fully covered by insurance, as well as travel, transportation, and lodging for treatment. They will also support recovery and post-treatment care, easing the financial burden so we can focus on his health and healing.

A bit about my dad: Mark raised me as a single dad and has always been someone who quietly shows up—steady, kind, and deeply himself. Whether it was teaching me karate, going to A’s games, or stopping to admire animals (he has a particular soft spot for llamas), he’s the kind of person who has always been there for others.

Any support, whether it’s sharing this or contributing, truly means more than we can express. It helps us focus on what matters most right now: his health and getting him through this.