Help My Family During Treatment

Hi,
My name is Kristin and I am starting this GoFundMe campaign to help support my family during a difficult time.

Late June of this year we got some bad news that no one wants to hear, My dad, Rick, was diagnosed with Oropharyngeal cancer . Its been a rough few months as our family grieved, came together and sorted out what needed to be done to see our dad get the support and healing he needs. Through the Grace of God so many hurdles and obstacles have been overcome. In light of this hard time the way has been cleared and it is not nearly as bad as it could be. For this we are so thankful and blessed to know we will have our dad back. 



However it is not over yet. My dad will be starting an aggressive and rough treatment of radiation and chemo to beat this thing. One of the blessings which also makes this hard is that the treatment will be in Tampa, which is hours away from his home, and also his daughters.  Moffitt Cancer Center was such a blessing to be able to go for treatment, but the distance makes this very rough emotionally and financially for my dad and mom.  Also they were unable to secure housing paid for the first few weeks, and possibly through the entire treatment, and since my father has been out of work for weeks, along with  the costs of the tests, labs, and travel to Tampa for biopsies, and general scheduling for this treatment,my parents savings are running low.

This fund is to ask for support so my family can secure housing close to the hospital and that meets the requirements they have. My dad is eating through a tube and my mom has to prepare his meals daily, she needs a small kitchen area to be able to do this, as well as a facility close to the hospital since traveling in cars makes him very sick. They were relying on getting housing, and this has been a blow that is definitely something they weren't expecting.

Truthfully my mom did not want me to do this campaign. Not out of pride, she and my father have been so touched by the outpouring of love and support from our friends and family during this time she didn't feel it was right to ask for help. So many of you have been so generous with helping them out spiritually, financially, and emotionally. They've been so touched and felt bad asking for more. My sister and I have already invested so much money and time into this, we ourselves are unable to help out at the magnitude that they need.



So I, Kristin West, am humbling asking for help. For the family that I love, for the amazing father that I hold so dearly. And for my mom, for the effortless and selfless work and time she is devoting to my father's care and to her family. I am asking for help for them. They are tired, ready to beat this thing and come back and enjoy their family. But the added financial burden of this last hurdle as been a devastating blow.

Any support you can give would be so greatly appreciated. We understand times are rough, so even sending prayers, and keeping my family in your thoughts is tremendously appreciated. The funds from this campaign will go to secure housing for my family, and also to bills associated with as well as general bills and utilities they are unable to keep up with due to my father being out of work. 

My father has worked so hard everyday of my life. I would love to be able to give him and my mom the peace of mind knowing they don't have to worry about finances, and have them both completely focus on getting better, and getting through this.

We've always been a close family, and we have always had God. It might seem silly to be thankful during something like this, but in this dark time we have noticed so many blessings, and His unending grace and love. We are close, and strong and through Him we can get through this. We are so happy to be able to go to Moffitt, and have the smart and dedicated staff who have our father's well being in mind. Who have spent their lives dedicated to helping others. We are so blessed to be able to work with talented and amazing doctors and appreciate the entire staff and the sacrifices they have made to be in this line of work,  and what they will do to help heal our family. We are thankful that the cancer is a treatable one, we haven't lost our father, he will be coming home. We are thankful for each other. And that we love each other, and most importantly love and completely trust God. We've surrendered everything to Him, and we are amazed at how He has been working and guiding us through this time.

Thank you all so much, and God Bless.
Kristin