Support Cherryl and Ryan, through Ryan’s Cancer Journey.

To Cherryl’s Loving Family and Friends,

My name is Margaret (Meggan) Moorhead, and I have had the honor of being Cherryl Calcote Duncan’s friend since childhood. We met when I was seven and she was five. Our friendship began with imaginative games. We played horses with army blankets draped over steamer trunks. Cherryl starred in the first and last Christmas play I wrote. It was about a girl dreaming of pink ballet slippers. Our bond has remained strong into adulthood. Our parents were best friends.

As you all know, Cherryl is someone who touches everyone with her warmth and generosity. She is soft-spoken, a talented painter, hilariously funny, intelligent, and unfailingly honest. Most importantly, she gives her heart and soul to her family and her circles of friends. This GoFundMe is about ensuring Cherryl and her family can keep their home during this challenging time.

The Journey They’re Facing

Cherryl’s life took a challenging turn after the passing of her husband, Gordy. Financially, it has been a struggle to maintain the house. Her home now shelters three generations—Cherryl, her sister Nancy, her son, Ryan and his son. Just as things began to improve, with Ryan securing a new well-paying job, tragedy struck again. While on his way to a client meeting, Ryan was in a car accident on a Dallas area interstate. His car was totaled by a reckless driver.

During the hospital scans, they made a life-changing discovery: Ryan has a tumor on his kidney. He was diagnosed with Stage Four renal cell carcinoma. The news is devastating.

Ryan underwent kidney removal surgery and is now preparing for a year-long intervention of immunotherapy and radiation treatments. While he has shown incredible resilience, his new employer let him go shortly after the diagnosis. This was within legal bounds in Texas, but it left him unemployed. Cherryl has stepped into the role of his primary caregiver.

How You Can Help

Despite these obstacles, the family is determined to hold on to their home. The mortgage is $2,200 a month - a figure lower than the median rent for a comparable apartment in Dallas. Additionally, Ryan’s health insurance premiums total $500 monthly, and there are numerous medical co-pays. The financial burden is staggering.

This is where we, Cherryl’s community, can step in. If you have ever been touched by Cherryl’s kindness, creativity, humor, or unwavering care, now is the time to give back. Your donations can ease the financial stress and allow her to focus on what truly matters.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Together, we can ensure Cherryl and her family remain in their home, surrounded by the love and stability they need in this difficult chapter.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Your support means the world.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Margaret (Meggan) Moorhead