Ray is someone we all admire—a devoted father, a loyal friend, and the kind of man who always shows up for everyone around him, never asking for anything in return. Today, we have the chance to show up for him.

Ray recently received a devastating diagnosis: stage IV colon cancer that has spread to his liver. Ray has begun chemo, which he'll continue for about three months. After that, he will have an MRI and doctors will evaluate how well the treatment is working. Regardless of the results, Ray will have surgery to assess the severity of the tumors in his liver. If the surgery goes well and his liver isn’t too affected, he’ll have about eight weeks to recover before starting another round of chemo. If the treatments aren’t effective, Ray and his doctors will shift their focus to palliative care.

It’s a lot to take in—and even more to endure. But Ray is meeting it all with courage, grace, and his trademark quiet strength.

While Ray focuses on fighting cancer he’s also facing a tremendous financial burden. He is currently unable to work, and the strain of medical bills, travel for treatments, and daily expenses is mounting. He's filed for disability but will only begin receiving benefits in December, after a 5 month wait. More than anything, Ray wants to continue being the provider, protector, and the amazing father he’s always been to his son, Cole—the light of his life.

Cole is the reason Ray keeps fighting every single day. And for anyone who knows Ray, you know that being a father is his proudest role. His love and dedication is something truly special—the kind of fatherhood we all admire.

This fund will help Ray manage essential living costs while he undergoes treatment, and a portion will be set aside for Cole’s 529 College Savings Plan—to help secure the future Ray dreams of for his son.

Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step toward relieving Ray’s burden and letting him focus on what matters most: his health, his son, and the moments they share together. If you’re not in a position to donate, please share this page and keep Ray and Cole in your thoughts.

Thank you,

Friends of Ray and Cole