One year ago our lives changed in an instant.  Our lives would never be the same. My brother in law Adam was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. This is a very aggressive and rare type of cancer, which was made very clear to us.   We found a doctor at Sloan Kettering who was quite optimistic about a trial immunotherapy drug that might help him.  He was a perfect candidate; forty-five years old young, and ready to fight a battle. He had to undergo several procedures before being able to participate in this trial which set him back a bit making him weak and causing much pain.  During this trial he was scanned to see the progress the medication was making in decreasing the masses on his lung, the lining of the lung, his windpipe, chest cavity, and lymph nodes. Unfortunately, scan after scan showed no improvement; the cancer was growing.   The trial finished in May and by the beginning of June Adam was hospitalized for agonizing pain, dehydration and extreme weight loss.  Too weak to begin any type of treatment Adam was sent home only to be brought back the following week with the same situation, which you would think, could not get any worse but it did.  The doctor was at a dead end.  She was not sure if his body could withstand any type of treatment in his weakened state.  She offered him Palliative Care at home or a basic Chemotherapy and Radiation treatment. Her thoughts on this treatment working were slim. On Father’s Day when families are celebrating with their loved ones Adam was asked to sign a DNR as the doctor was not sure how long he would have seeing him in the state he was in.  Adam was not about to give up the fight.  It was Father’s Day; quite symbolic.  A Father is the head of the household and cannot let his family down.  He was ready to fight the battle for his wife Cheryl, son Spencer who is 10 and his 5-year-old daughter Gabriella.  Chemotherapy and radiation started and a glistening of light appeared. The cancer was shrinking all over.  Adam had about two good weeks.  We got the family together, had some great laughs on his deck and even celebrated his 46th birthday together on June 30. You really realize what is important: it is truly the little things He was gaining weight and looking better.  Unfortunately this did not last long as the scans to follow did not show the same positive things happening.  The cancer was growing again.  Adam became weak and continued struggling with intense pain.  The doctors decided to try a new chemotherapy, which recently finished on January 27th.  Adam was not given the results we were all hoping for.  The cancer is now taking over.  The cancer has spread more in the lungs, to the rib cage and spine, which is causing great concern.  The pain is becoming unbearable. On February 8th he was given the choice once again of Palliative Care or Radiation treatment that will possibly alleviate some pain.  We were told that this is not a cure just something to help ease the pain.   Adam has already gone for his radiation consult and will start treatment on Thursday February 23rd. He is still fighting the fight! We admire his courage, strength, and determination. There are truly no words to describe what our family is going through.   Adam has not worked in a year.  He struggles to get out of bed and has great difficulty even getting to his medical appointments.  Cheryl gives new meaning to the word wife. When she said “I DO” she meant every word! She is trying to provide for her family and working as much as she can. She is sole caretaker for Adam and her two children trying to make ends meet.  They are struggling emotionally and financially.  Everyday expenses are getting more difficult to face. Medical expenses are through the roof beyond comprehension. Please pray for Adam and anything you can do to help us fight this battle, will be greatly appreciated. This will help lift this burden to maintain some normalcy for the family: especially for my nephew and niece.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.