Support Rick Busse's Fight Against Melanoma

My name is Connie Marushak and I am currently creating this fundraiser for our good friend Rick Busse, who is battling stage 4 melanoma.

In April 2024, Rick was experiencing headaches and some severe dizziness. After a trip to the emergency room and several doctor's appointments, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rick learned that he had melanoma that had progressed to his brain. Doctors gave Rick the devastating news that they estimated he had less than a few months to live without treatment. Rick made the decision to fight this cancer with all he has in order to spend as much time as possible with his two daughters (Janessa and Madison), his son-in-law Brynden, and his two grandsons.

In June, Rick underwent surgery to remove one of the larger tumors in his brain. Following surgery, Rick did a series of radiation treatments all in Omaha. Then in September, he experienced a seizure. His doctors made the decision to do a second surgery to remove another large tumor from his brain. Fast-forward to January, Rick started WBRT (full brain radiation therapy). This treatment consisted of daily trips to Omaha for two weeks to complete this type of therapy. The doctors have recently informed Rick that immunotherapy is his last option. He started his first treatment of that on March 3, and four days later, Rick was taken to the emergency room due to some side effects from the treatment. After a three-day hospital stay, Rick is happy to be back home and is determined to keep fighting for more time with his family and friends.

Rick’s daughter Madison and her family have recently moved from their home in Colorado to Nebraska to care for her dad. Rick is needing 24-hour care at home currently to help him with his daily tasks. He also has been unable to work since he was diagnosed, which has made life very difficult for him financially. Madison has recently taken over the role of managing all of Rick’s financial affairs as it has become challenging for him. Rick has been through so much in the last 10 months that the last thing he needs to worry about is transportation, food, medical bills, and daily needs.

If you are able to contribute, please know that every little bit helps. And even if it’s sharing this fundraiser or sending prayers his way, it is greatly appreciated. We also have an account set up for Rick at Cornerstone Bank and a Venmo account which is @MrsMoffitt2019.