Dear family and friends,

I'm writing with some really tough news to share. Our family recently learned that our Dad, Richard, has stage 4 small cell bladder cancer that has metastasized to his liver, lymph nodes, and even his clavicle. This cancer is advanced and aggressive, and requires immediate action to avoid the unthinkable. This diagnosis came as a complete shock, and we are absolutely devastated. Our Dad has gone from an energetic, active, highly capable handyman (who finished building his screened-in porch earlier this summer) to someone who can barely walk because he's so exhausted all the time.

Our family has been learning everything we can about how to support his health, and we are open to any advice or wisdom from those who have walked this path before. A dear friend recommended a wellness center where Dad has been meeting with doctors, dietitians, and other patients to learn more about his options. He has radically changed his diet and is receiving IV treatments and supplements to strengthen his immune system and give his body the best chance to heal.

The only downside is that these treatments are not covered by his insurance and come with a significant financial burden. His current 6-month regimen will cost $85,000. We may also need to relocate Dad to an intensive inpatient Cancer Treatment Center to attack the cancer with all we've got. But this is not cheap.

So, as much as it pains us to do this, we are reaching out to our network for help. If you are able to financially support us in any capacity, we would be truly grateful from the bottom of our hearts.

We also believe in the power of prayer, so please pray for healing, comfort, and a pain-free experience for Dad as he faces this battle.

Finally, if you feel led to directly reach out to Dad with words of encouragement, that would mean the world to him and our family.

Thank you for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time!