My name is Amanda, and I am starting this fundraiser for my bonus dad, Ronnie. If you know Ronnie, you know he is a man of incredible humility who would never ask for help himself. He is a devoted husband, a father of two, a "Pops" to six, and a beloved brother, uncle, and mentor. For the last 16 years, he has dedicated his life to teaching, pouring his heart into his students and his community.

​The Journey with CML

​Five and a half years ago, Ronnie was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a slow-progressing blood cancer. For several years, he managed the disease in its chronic phase, balancing daily oral chemotherapy with the demands of his job. Even while being immunosuppressed during the height of the pandemic, he continued to work, pushing through the physical toll of both the cancer and the treatment.

​A Financial Crossroad

​The last two years have been a massive uphill battle. Ronnie and his wife became uninsured after their insurance premiums doubled and eventually tripled, making coverage completely unaffordable. Choosing the "cash price" for life-saving chemotherapy and appointments was the only way to survive, but it has meant paying for everything entirely out of pocket.

​A Critical Turning Point

​On April 29th, Ronnie was hospitalized with Febrile Neutropenia, a severe and dangerous complication from his chemotherapy. He is currently on the oncology floor under strict medical precautions. Because his cell counts are not yet improving, he is at his most vulnerable.

​On May 7th, he is scheduled for bone marrow testing. There are serious concerns that his cancer may have progressed beyond the chronic stage. If it has moved into an accelerated or blast phase, the road ahead will involve bone marrow transplants, extended hospitalizations, and intensive recovery—all of which carry an overwhelming financial cost.

​How You Can Help

​Ronnie and my mom are the first people to step up for others, but right now, they need us. My goal is to help lift the crushing weight of medical debt and upcoming treatment costs so they can focus entirely on Ronnie’s health and getting him back home. Truth is, if this gets bad enough, it can keep him from working completely.

​Literally anything helps. Whether it is a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this page, it works wonders for their mindset to know they aren't fighting this alone.

​Thank you for supporting this humble teacher and wonderful "Pops" in the fight of his life.