To anyone and everyone reading this, let me tell you about my close friend Xavier Patterson...

To know him, is to love him. Has Zay really ever met a stranger?

With his infectious smile and inquisitive nature, he can make almost anyone drop their guard and open up to talk about life; be it family, occupation, fashion, sports, philosophy or religion. Zay is a walking embodiment of "Not judging others by the color of their skin but by the content of their character".

From high school basketball star to a casual player as an adult, Zay is as passionate and competitive as they come. His lifelong love for

basketball has translated into helping and encouraging youth learn the skills that come with team basketball, including deep relationships and camaraderie.

As a friend and father, Zay is fiercely loyal to those he loves and will go to great lengths to be there for them in whatever capacity necessary to help them with whatever they're going through.

He has demonstrated this on so many occasions, whether it's loaning someone money, helping them move, working on a car or just lending an ear for someone to confide in when they're experiencing difficult times. Perhaps his greatest attribute, Zay has a selfless willingness to communicate with friends and family, giving them the only currency that can never be bought or replaced, his time.

At 30 years old, Zay and Erika have built a home, life and family sharing 4 beautiful children together; Kelly, Kenadi, Xavier Jr. & Xoey.

Now, Zay is fighting the biggest battle and obstacle he's encountered in his young life. Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, Zay has begun Radiation and Chemotherapy to treat his cancer. These treatments take an extreme mental and physical toll on one's body, and for the foreseeable future Zay will not be able to continue working.

On behalf of Zay, the unconditional friend who has done so much for many of you reading this right now, I ask that we rally around him and his family to do everything we can to alleviate any unnecessary financial burden while he is being treated.

PLEASE donate to the Xavier Patterson GO FUND me so that he may take the time needed to focus on his treatments, health and most importantly his family.

Whatever you can donate will help.