Help For The Hamlin's

Who would have ever thought that three months ago when 60 year old James Hamlin, Jr. started to complain of back pain that the results he received on July 21, 2015 would say Stage Four Prostate Cancer that cannot be cured? When he first went to the ER in April, this avid outdoor's man told them it all started from shooting his rifle. The hospital administered a radiographic test that showed some lesions on his bones and told him to make an appointment with a cancer doctor. A few weeks later of waiting for an appointment and upon arrival they told them they could not be seen because of authorization issues and that they needed to be seen by an orthopedic doctor. After waiting another month or so, he was seen by the bone doctor who scheduled some tests and blood work. A few more ER visits for pain occurred as well as he waited. He even started using a walker.

The results revealed that there were some issues but they couldn't confirm so guess what? They sent him to the cancer doctor. But of course, seeing a specialists requires a wait. In the meantime, he is getting sicker and weaker. He's been out of work from his job of custodian for the school system, where he is the primary breadwinner. He does not have benefits, sick leave and just recently applied for disability, but there is a huge waiting period. Currently a loving support system is helping out the best way they can.

If you knew this man and his loving wife of 42 years, who is standing by his side every step of the way, you would know that they are modest people. They are hard working and assist others when they are able to. But now they are need of our help, which is hard but necessary. The hospital bills, outpatient cost, mortgage, car payments and everything else are stacking up. They are even planning on selling the family homesite for the last 100 years on acres of land with the trailer they purchased in 2001, which they are so proud of. It represents so much of who they are. They have come so far, but to many it may seem as though they have gained little. But you don't know their hearts. They are the kindest and loving people in the world.

It's so hard, but it's reality. Please help them focus on creating a peaceful transition during this short period and not this mountain of debt. They have worked hard for so long, raising four awesome children and watching six grandchildren grow. It hasn't been easy and through all of the circumstances and challenges, this is one of the hardest that they have had to face.

Please help James and Joyce. We all love them so much and only want the best!