About 2 1/2 years ago, my step father Geoff was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to his liver. Ever since, he has been undergoing the conventional treatment with chemo-therapy, which - he was told - was keeping the cancer in check. However, a year ago the chemo stopped working, and the cancer in his liver began increasing rapidly. After learning that the chemo was not working, he underwent a new procedure for treating the cancer with radioactive material injected directly into the liver. Since this radioactive injection, my step father has been having excruciating pain in his stomach, which led him to the ER several times the past few months. Recently, he had a follow up with the doctors and found out that this new procedure failed to slow the cancer’s growth and that pain that he was feeling was caused by the growth of the cancer. 

Despite the distressing news, we want to continue to fight for his life. HE wants to continue to fight for his life and WE will not back down to it. Although the chemo failed to stop the growth, the doctors said he has to get back on it. So, starting next week, he will be back on chemo. On top of the chemo treatment, my stepfather wishes to try a non-conventional treatment. This includes - in addition to strict dietary changes, that he already implemented months ago - the purchase of an electromagnetic machine to attack the cancer cells, plus a regimen of nutritional supplements.  This requires about $10,000, plus ongoing monthly costs of couple thousands of dollars per month. I know the goal of 10,000 is a long shot but I have to try. 

With my step father not being able to work, and my mom having to cut down to a part time job in order to take care him, their savings have become little to almost none. Although it's been a really tough time, both my mom and Geoff have been trying to stay optimistic throughout, but I can see that it is starting take a toll on them. Having to worry about the financial aspects of it all and not being able to afford a treatment that can help, makes this journey even more stressful and painful.  

Through this battle, my stepfather has been a real trooper. He does his best to hide his pain so he can stay strong and positive for both my mom and I. He does this because it is his way of pretecting us from pain. He is so selfless to put our feelings and emotions first, when he is the one that is battling the cancer face to face.

Yet, through it all, he continues to make my mom laugh and smile every day to ease her heartache of seeing him in this situation and she continues to stay positive and give him the best love and care to keep him strong. They both have remained generous and kind and courageous throughout this ordeal, and I believe Geoff's will to live can prevail if only given the chance.

We appreciate all the love and support and we will forever be grateful to everyone who can help in any way. I know that times are tough for a lot of us and if you are unable to give, sharing the post is just as important because it gives awareness that can lead to someone else giving, and that is helpful in itself.  

With much love,
Jennifer