Rally for Dickie Smith's Recovery and Hope

I'm Stacey Hale and I'm raising funds for my brother, Dickie Smith.

After weeks of being extremely sick but unable to miss work, we were able to talk my brother into seeking medical attention. By the time he was seen at Ohio State University Hospital, his colon was completely blocked by a large mass and was ready to explode. On Monday, November 18, 2024, doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve that pressure. During testing, they found many lesions on his liver, as well as the large mass in his colon. On Wednesday, November 20, they performed a liver biopsy. By the grace of God, those results came back, and at this point, those lesions look to be benign. They will be watching those closely. Unfortunately, the ostomy that he received on Monday night needs a revision. There is so much dead tissue that it is not working properly. He is undergoing another surgery now to repair the first ostomy. Doctors are also pretty confident that the large mass causing the blockage in his sigmoid colon is cancer. They will attempt to remove that as well. He may end up with a second colostomy bag. After the mass is removed, they will do further testing and figure out how to proceed with treatment.

My brother is fighting for his life. His faith remains strong; however, this news has been overwhelming and extremely scary. Dickie is a beloved husband, father of three, brother, and son. This will be a long road to recovery and the hardest fight of his life. While the future is uncertain, his hope remains steadfast.

His family is facing not only the challenges of this journey but major medical expenses. Many of you have reached out and asked how you can help. I would be so grateful if we could rally together to provide the support that they will need. Any contribution you can make will help cover any out-of-pocket medical expenses, costs associated with his treatment, and living expenses, allowing Dickie and his family to focus on what truly matters: surviving.

I am asking that you please donate anything that you can. I know times are hard for everyone, so anything will be appreciated. They have placed their trust in God and remain faithful through this trial. We are heartbroken and sick with the news and the fact that he is going through this at such a young age. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us.