A Hand Up, Not a Handout
There are moments in life when everything changes in an instant. For our family, that moment came when we learned that our dad, Wes, has esophageal cancer.
Even writing those words is difficult.
Wes is a devoted husband, father of five, grandfather of two, and a carpenter who has spent his life building, repairing, and finding solutions to problems. He's also a man with big dreams and an irrepressible sense of humor, even when life gets difficult.
Now he's facing something he can't fix with his tools.
His doctors have given us reason to hope. They've told us his cancer is treatable and potentially curable, depending on how he responds to treatment.
Within approximately the next three weeks, Dad is expected to begin chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Additional testing and evaluations will help his medical team determine the best course of treatment.
Our parents have stood side by side for 25 years. Mom intends to be beside Dad through his treatments, hospital stays, and appointments, just as they've stood beside one another through everything else life has brought them.
There's no reason that should change now.
A Community That Has Already Shown Us What Love Looks Like
Our family has experienced the extraordinary kindness of our community firsthand.
When a serious plumbing leak left our parents facing an astronomical water bill they couldn't afford, neighbors and community members came together. They dug up the yard, replaced damaged pipes, and helped pay the bill.
They didn't just offer sympathy. They showed up with shovels, machinery, willing hands, and generous hearts.
Our family has never forgotten that kindness, and we never will.
We recognize how much our community has already done for us. We don't take that generosity for granted, and we are deeply grateful.
Now, as Dad faces cancer treatment, we're reaching out — not with an expectation, but with hope.
Why We're Asking for Help
Although Dad has Medicaid, we're still learning which medical expenses will be covered.
One of our parents' biggest challenges is that they don't have a car.
With chemotherapy and radiation therapy approaching, reliable transportation to and from appointments is essential. Without a vehicle of their own, getting to the hospital can be complicated and costly, though not impossible.
Beyond transportation, there are household bills, treatment-related expenses, and the everyday financial pressures that accompany a serious illness.
Funds raised will help ease those burdens so Dad can concentrate on his treatment and recovery, with Mom by his side whenever possible.
Our parents are proud, independent people. Asking for assistance isn't easy for either of them.
But sometimes even the strongest families need a helping hand.
We're not asking for a handout. We're asking for a hand up.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a difference. If you cannot donate, sharing our story or keeping our family in your prayers means just as much.
Holding On to Faith, Family, and Hope
Faith, love, and laughter have always been at the heart of our family.
When Dad first learned what he was facing, he experienced a moment of spiritual reassurance that has stayed with him:
"I've got you in the palm of My hand."
Those words have given him comfort and strength as we prepare for the road ahead.
We don't know everything the coming months will bring. We're frightened, but we're also hopeful, and we're determined to face this together.
Cancer may have changed our plans, but it hasn't taken away our hope for the future.
To everyone who has helped our family before, and to those hearing our story for the first time, thank you for your kindness, generosity, encouragement, and prayers.
With love and gratitude,
Wes's Family
Every prayer, every share, and every helping hand matters.
