A hero is someone who is willing to step up to the plate when no one else will. Someone who leaves a positive impact on another for no other reason than to be a good person.

They say "You should never meet your heroes", let alone marry their daughter... but that's what I did. When I married Teah 20 years ago little did I know that I would be gaining a father-in-law that was loving and supportive. To me there was nothing that he could not build, fix or accomplish. For most boys growing up, their own father is their natural hero. This is true about my father. In rare cases, your father-in-law also becomes your hero as well. That's what my father-in-law, Tony Kitchen, is to me. Anyone who has met and come to know Tony will agree that he is a person that you can count on to be there selflessly. He will help anyone in need, even lending you his tools, knowing he may never get the tool back, LOL.

What time has shown is that even heroes get knocked down and need support. This brings me to the purpose of this fundraiser. Five months ago, Tony was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. This has proven to be a tougher fight than any of us could have imagined. So many people have someone they love fighting this horrible disease and the cost emotionally and financially, can at times be more than overwhelming. After this diagnosis, he now facing heart complications and a possible open heart surgery. This has affected his ablilty to work and he has had to shutter his home remodeling business 35+ years. We are extremely thankful for our friends and the love they have shown thus far. Yet, even our heroes and friends need help sometimes. I believe this is our time to support and help this beautiful family in their time of need.

In January Tony was diagnosed with metastatic Stage 4 Kidney cancer that has spread to his lungs. With this diagnosis, there is no cure. He is undergoing treatment to prolong his life with the hope of giving him a quality of life. The cost of his cancer treatment is incredibly high each month. While a large portion is covered, a large amount is still not covered each month. His heart procedures will start adding up next month and that will be on top of his cancer treatments. 100% of the proceeds will aid in his medical expenses and lost income due to his cancer. Any amount small or large is greatly appreciated and goes a long way in helping this family.

Thank you for your time in reading this.

Sincerly, Justin and Teah Atwater

Jamie and Jacob Flanary