Hi friends and family. As some of you know, my brother-in-law, Ray Keeton, was diagnosed with stomach cancer 2 years ago. He has fought a good fight, battling through surgery to remove most of his stomach, months of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. His prognosis, unfortunately, is not good and this disease is expected to be terminal within a year.

My sister, Sara, is his wife. She lost her first husband, Jeff, unexpectedly six years ago. She found love again with Ray, but is now facing the loss of her second husband and will be widowed twice before the age of 50. Her twin daughters and Ray's kids have become a very close and loving 'Brady Bunch' family. It is so very sad to know that we are all probably going to lose Ray.

Ray is a loving man who works with Celebrate Recovery, Prison Ministries, and supports anyone and everyone who has fallen on hard times. He is pastor of a wonderful nondenominational church in Clemmons, North Carolina (First Christian Church of Clemmons) and the family is not wealthy. Direct medical bills, additional expenses, and general life upheaval have taken a toll. I want to raise some money to help offset the impact of this devastating illness on my sister, Ray, and their family. Sara should not face a mountain of medical debt to pay off after Ray passes away!

I usually do not fundraise for any cause, feeling that we are all bombarded with enough asks, ads and options for where to put our hard-earned money. But this is a special case. If I can raise $20k in this campaign, we can at least eliminate the outstanding credit card bills and medical debt that the Keetons have accrued through this long battle with cancer.

If you are able to, I hope you can make a contribution. We are so appreciative of whatever you are able to give. It's a worthy cause and will help out a great family that gives so much to their community!