Dear friends, family, and caring souls out there,

Our family is reaching out for help in a way we never thought we would need to. Unfortunately, one of our loved ones, Gary Lee, has been diagnosed with cancer. As many of you may have experienced, it is heartbreaking for the whole family. In Gary’s particular situation, treatment is required 5 days a week for a minimum of 6 months and could be extended for up to a year. As you can imagine, this is daunting in and of itself, but for Gary and his wife Jo Anne, the burden is compounded by the distance they must go to receive treatment and surgery. They must travel to Bakersfield, 120 miles from home, making it necessary to find accommodations 5 days a week for 6 months at the very least. Gary, being the sole provider, will be unable to work during this time, making an already strained situation almost impossible financially speaking.

We as a family are making a plea for support for Gary and Jo Anne, the best parents and grandparents anyone could ever hope for. They have raised 3 kids in Ridgecrest, a town that Gary himself helped build during the peak of its growth. He has been a pillar of the community for many years. This is a man who has given so much to his wife Jo Anne, his family, and his hometown. A man who makes us laugh hysterically at the dinner table with his backwoods Missourian sense of humor. He’s a dad with the softest heart and a grandpa who is a trickster. He’s been known to hide a beanie baby or two. But mostly, he’s been a constant in our lives, and we want so desperately to keep it that way.

If you find it in your heart to help Gary and Jo Anne in any way, big or small, we would be eternally grateful! Your thoughts and prayers are equally appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.