My dad is the strongest man I know, always fighting through life’s ups and downs without ever losing hope. If a problem arises, he’s the type to immediately find a resolution without getting stumbled by what he has to face. A tarot reader by profession, he’s guided countless people through some of their hardest days with compassion and clarity. But today, he faces his own set of hard days as he tries to survive stage 4 pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

For four months, we searched for answers while he endured immense pain. MRI after CT scan, several procedures, and two biopsies later, we still didn’t have a diagnosis. From there we were told he needed to do a lung biopsy that turned into a medical emergency. He suffered a cerebral air embolism, experienced a seizure, and was placed in the ICU on a ventilator and feeding tube.

When he woke up, everything had changed. His mobility was severely impaired. He now requires caregiving, physical therapy, and continued medical supervision just to move through his day.

In the midst of this, stage 4 cancer was confirmed but we couldn’t start treatment as they couldn’t find the primer. More tests followed and he finally got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy is his best shot right now but each session is costing us $2,500 without additional blood work, consults, etc and he needs at least 12 rounds.

We’ve already spent $40,000 on hospital bills alone, not including physical therapy, travel, nursing, or time off work. I’m currently working 2 jobs, our family has rallied around us to help as well, but the costs are overwhelming and we need help sustaining upcoming treatment along with any unexpected treatment costs.

My dad has been my mom and dad since I was 8. He gave up everything, his career and his dreams, just to raise me. Now it's my turn to take care of him, to fight for his future because despite it all, he still dreams of living to 100, of traveling again, and continuing his readings to help others. He deserves a chance at healing without the burden of financial fear. And I truly believe that with support, we can explore every option, from chemo to clinical trials, that may bring his health back to what it was.

If you’ve ever been touched by a reading, helped by a stranger, or loved by someone unconditionally, I ask you to support my dad’s journey. Any contribution, or even a prayer if you’re unable to contribute, will go a long way for us and is greatly appreciated. Sending loves to you if you've been through this journey or similar <3

(written by Ritisha & posted by Ellie on her behalf)