Ed Daugherty

PLEASE READ ED'S HEROIC STORY 

No Matter What... Ed never lets Cancer beat his spirit and unwaivering faith. 
Lets help support his HOPE and our own by supporting his family during their time of courage and struggle. 

If you have ever met Ed, he needs no introduction. He is the best kind of character- glowing genuinely with love and acceptance. Both his faith and his LAUGH are contageous. And, despite the obstacles he has overcome time and time again, Ed is a beacon of HOPE and FAITH. In the darkest hour, Ed talks about his belief in God's grace and his gratitude. He truly has surrendered his life to the service of others. The acceptance and solace he has found in his benevolence is humbling just to watch. His gratitude comes to life the most when he talks about his loving wife Anna and his pride and joy- their daughter - Lilliana. 

True Courage Through Adversity

A true wild soul, Ed lived a full life. A long drive down a dark road had brought him to a place where he had completely lost himself. He miraculously survived a near-death experience, in which he remembers having been touched by the grace of God. After that, through hard work, Ed surrendered his life and his heart to service of others and the practice of spiritual principles. 

Among other more regular community service, he went on missions in other countries to help the less fortunate. Ed went as far as to smuggle literature about changing your life into Cuba because someone reached out to him about how he had done it. He devoted his life to helping others find the HOPE and LOVE he had found. Ed spent countless hours talking to people, working them through their fears and carrying the message that YOU CAN TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND, no matter how dark your road may be. 

When I met Ed 12 years ago, he and his wife were trying to adopt a baby from orphanages in less fortunate countries. It was an uphill battle. They tried over and over again- jumping through any hoops that were presented, but kept being denied. They had so much love in their hearts and wanted to give that to a child. I remember thinking that any child that would end up in their home would be lucky. Years went by. Ed would talk about their struggles. You would see him and he would be hopeful one week and slightly dissappointed the next when things did not work out. But, he never got down or whined about his disappointment.  Though he was obviously passionate about adoption, Ed would always say that "if it is meant to happen, it will." 

Finally, they were approved! They traveled around the world to pick up their precious baby girl- Lilliana. Ed and Anna were beside themselves with love. He was so excited. Ed always laughs- all the time- through everything - no matter what. And his laugh... is unforgettable. Whenever he laughs, the entire room follows, even if nothing is funny besides how funny his laugh is. 






Lilliana became their pride and joy. Ed has always been a biker. He bought a pink motorcycle just for Lilliana. And, she is the cutest, and most polite and most loving little girl. Everytime she sees me, she gives me a picture of herself. I have several in my wallet that I carry all the time. 



When Ed and Anna thought theirstruggles were over, he and his growing family were struck with terrible news. Ed was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent serious treatments - trying treatments, exhausting treatments. He never lost his faith. He never lost his laugh. He never complained. He never felt sorry for himself. He only pressed on... accepted it... dealt with it and stayed positive. 

Eventually, after watching him struggle for years with the throat cancer, it went into full remission. Ed was happy and was carrying on with his life with his beloved wife Anna and his growing daughter, Lilliana. 



Ed's voice never fully recovered from the cancer and the treatments, but that didn't stop him from laughing... all the time... every time I have ever been near him. You could hear him struggle to talk at times, but his message was always so positive that you could hear it through a whisper. 

Life was good and had been fairly quiet the last couple years, though he had struggled with more health problems. Sometimes we knew he was concerned for being sick, but never wanted to whine - preferred to laugh instead. 

In January of 2015, Ed was seeming a little off. His family took him to the emergency room. He was eventually diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. 

He underwent an operation. While he was in the hospital, it became clear to me that Ed is the most widely loved man I have ever met- and for good reason. Almost everyone he has ever known - he seems to have touched. He accepts those who can't accept themselves. I sensed that everyone we knew wanted to help, but also felt powerless to do so. 

After brain surgery, Ed is home. He underwent chemo and radiation... again. 

On Saturday, May 2, 2015, Ed physically lost his physical battle with cancer, but his spirit will live on through the hearts and lives of all the people he has touched.  His wonderful, loving and devoted wife is grieving and trying to prepare for the upcoming services. Lilliana is 10 years old now and will miss her dad. 

This campaign is an outcry for help for Ed's family. They are in desperate need of financial assistance to help with the ongoing expenses of such a heartbreaking ordeal. Any money donated will go directly to Anna and Lilliana. 

I know 100 people that are closer to Ed than me, but he still feels like family to me. I know that the community has been buzzing with intentions to help, but has been left bewildered for ideas on how to support the family.

Love and prayers are always the best support, but any money you can spare would certainly help their family, too. 

During a time when I was lost, Ed helped restore my faith in humanity. And through all this, he has never lost his faith in God or in humanity. For that reason, I am hoping that we can prove his HOPE right... and we can return his selfless service. I know that I will give anything I can to help a man who has helped so many- and if I have ever met someone so deserving of love and support - its him. I hope that you feel the same. 

No donation is too small.