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Bill has always been my hero, and a wonderful father to myself after he adopted me at 2 years old, gave the world my two wonderful sisters, and then went on to create a beautiful blended family with Joyce and her 3 children. Joyce, a lifelong Mon Valley resident, donated her time to the Washington City Mission until retirement, and Bill is a programmer and networks administrator for small startups, both trying to make this world a better place. I am asking to lend them a little help during this very trying time.
It all began in 2008 when, after 15 years of steady but slow decline, Bill was placed on the transplant list to receive a kidney. The wait was long, almost 11 years, and included 3 years of expensive dialysis treatments, but he refused to let any living family member go through the trauma and physical demands of donating a living kidney.
In 2018 When things looked most bleak, he finally relented to participate in match-testing for donation with my younger sister. They were a perfect match! The process to get approved for that kidney swap was long but in March 2019 they had a surgery date, their hospital wristbands in-hand (to be admitted to the surgery ward) and then… 3 days before their scheduled surgery Bill received a call from the transplant team; they had found for him another match, from a deceased donor. He called my sister with tears in his eyes and a frog in his throat to say he’s taking this chance miracle, saving her from a dangerous surgery and all of the future health risks of having just one kidney.
I send all my love and gratitude to the power of prayer and faith in miracles! March 2019 was a game changer for my hero! My Dad was given a second chance to live. The year of 2020 he planted a garden, began cleaning up the abandoned properties on either side of his house, and working out regularly at the YMCA. He was revitalized and hopeful. Similar to the strawberries that he planted (with a little wish to not need to mow that bit of land next year) his spirit has come back to life, when faced with the decision, he chose to be like nature and thrive.
Dad faced constant trials and challenges. Being immune-suppressed in a pandemic, additional surgeries; one to remove his original (worser) kidney. At the time, the lesions on that kidney were determined to be benign. But some fragment of tissue left behind did turn malignant. He found out in August 2021 that cancer and diabetes had formed in his flesh. With all of the strange and uncomfortable after-effects of a transplant, an organ removed, the side effects of anti-rejection drugs… the signs of cancer went unnoticed for far too long.
That cancer has now spread. Termed “stage 4.” It exists in his one remaining original kidney, his lymph nodes, and his lungs. Treatment options are limited because of the anti-rejection medications he will be on for life.
Pause... deep breath! That same month an impromptu visit to Pittsburgh for my own medical complications left me with a strong desire to move back home. So I packed up my sacred treasures and closed up my farm in Arkansas to move back and just be present in Dad’s presence. As I sit here on the couch I remember how much of a hero this man has been in my life. Adopting me as his own daughter when I was 2 and holding my hand through all the scary parts of my own health struggles that Mom couldn't be there for.
I have been here observing for a couple months now. He has improved his health by quitting smoking and beginning a tai chi practice, he's come out of a dark place and is again trying to strive. The chemotherapy protocol began on Dec 16th and during the course of the past month I have witnessed his physical, mental, and emotional health decline slowly over time. Today he was instructed to stop treatment due to intolerance. We are feeding his gut some probiotics, and dousing him in aloe vera to combat the effects of chemo - but I know there is more that we can do.
We are monitoring him closely as we await the upcoming oncology appointment. My intention for this page is to raise money for healing grade food/water and supplements to get my dad back to optimal health and ready for whatever may come next in treating the cancer.
I am asking for help for my Dad and Joyce. This entire process has been long and difficult. It has been a challenge for my dad to work at all, and to fund the treatments so far. Complimentary/integrative treatments recommended but are not covered and or out of fiscal reach.
While your donations will not be able to undo what cancer has created they will provide a much needed financial reprieve for two of the most deserving people I know. Thank you! A DEEPER HEALING happens in small steps, through community by helping each other to feel supported when asking for and receiving what we need. So thank you for donating any amount you can. Your small choice to contribute helps cultivate great change on this planet! Never underestimate the power of even $5! I know they will be forever grateful.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. My deepest gratitude to all the generous donations we receive through the power of asking for what you need. This is the path of miracles.
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