Support Robert's Fight Against Stage 4 Cancer

My name is Mary and I am asking for your help. My husband and best friend of 25 years, Robert, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer in July of 2023 while getting a routine colonoscopy in order to support me, as I struggled with doctors to do the same. Supporting me has always been his objective since we met. So this diagnosis has been very difficult for him. Because of my medical issues throughout the years, he has been the one to be the backbone of the family. I have always been the one in the hospital bed. With the roles reversed, he is really struggling to listen to his body. He works about 10 hours a day, still trying to help make ends meet. He comes home and passes out as soon as he sits on the couch, especially on chemotherapy week. However, with all of our medical bills on top of our routine monthly expenses, we are not able to survive much longer. He had to give up his second job as he is too exhausted to work more.

I am currently working 2 jobs, plus selling crafts on the side to help out, as well as trying to keep the house in order and take care of my aging dad remotely who lives on the opposite coast. I am under a considerable amount of stress which is making my health challenges worse.

Once Robert’s cancer progresses and he is no longer able to work, I will also have to give up my main career as a special needs assistant teacher in order to take care of him.

We are fortunate enough to own our mobile home. However, lot rent alone takes 75% of my main monthly paycheck. Plus, we have numerous repairs needed on our mobile home that we cannot afford. The roof leaks (which is especially difficult living in Seattle area), the pipes are slow and need help, outside maintenance things need to be done that he cannot do because of his disease progression nor can I due to my health which my doctor has barred me from being able to do them. We both have dietary restrictions due to our health that we have had to ignore as we utilize the local food bank and eat what is given to us. There are many other expenses such as repairing his 19 year old car so he can get to work while he still can work, catching up on the electric bill, etc.

Robert has been given 2-3 years from his diagnosis in July of 2023 before he will succumb to the cancer. He is a fighter, so my hope is that we will have many more years together. However, I try to remain level headed, yet strong throughout this journey he is on. Once the time comes, I have no way to give him a proper burial. Whenever that happens, all remaining money collected will help pay for his funeral expenses.

I want everyone to know that this post was very difficult for me to write as I am usually the one helping others in need. I will be updating this post as his disease progresses. Thank you for reading our story and considering helping us during this difficult time.