Help Cruz outlast liver cancer.

The 1st week of April, i tried to go back to work,  but I had no strength or energy. It was hard seeing a few patients. We pretty much just laughed, hugged, and cried. I was a mess.

Now, I pretty much go to medical appointments and am worn out by 4'oclock.

My wife, Gracie, has been great through all of this. She works as a social worker for a local independent school district. 

Finished with my Disability application May 18th. Looks hopeful.

My options and life expectancy are as follows.

1 - no chemo/immunotherapy  - less than a year

2 - chemo but it does not work - 1 year

3 - chemo that works by keeping the cancer the same size or shrinks it - 2 years

4 - radiation and it starts to die (or at least breaks it's grip on hepatic artery)

5 - we have surgery

6 - more radiation? 

5 - 3-5 more years to do a modest Bucket List

I have been given the Gift to say a "long goodbye" (maybe a Miracle 5,

-10 years...) and cherish thousands of additional memories. I'm banking on the success of chemo/immuno/radiation/surgery/more immuno, & a whole lot of  prayers.

The past 36 years, i have worked in the field of Physical Therapy. My income represented 70% of our household income. It now represents zero.

As a small business owner, 5 years ago I thought we could no longer afford the high premiums  of health insurance. In hindsight, I made a bad decision. Bills are stacking up high and fast. And not slowing down. With no insurance, I found out radiation services can ask for 50% up front ($20K-50K+), If I'm lucky enough to get radiation services. 

Most places, but not all,  have offered 50% Discounts for services (with payment plans available). The surgery will run 6-figures. My parents have helped us tremendously with the cost of personal and medical bills. We still have debt balances and business loans. We can no longer pay our personal bills let alone the medical bills on our own.

I have applied for Disability. Now it's a waiting game. With disability I will be eligible for medicare (at the young age of 58). Even so, we would be responsible for the 20% medicare doesn't cover.

We need your help.

UPDATED June 9, 2023

We now have three college aged children (17 y/o graduated from HS June 4th).

Gracie works for a local school district. Her department helps homeless or displaced students continue with their current campuses and resources for success.

I spend my free time tending a small indoor garden and small woodworking (small boxes & bowls). It is fun but tiring.

I have greatly enjoyed this life and want to keep it going as long as possible. I want to see my children in their careers, get married, & have their own babies. And last of all, to look in the mirror with Gracie and see the little old couple that lived and loved a lifetime together ❤️.