Help Our Chief Fight Cancer!

As today is Father’s Day, my heart is full of many emotions. My Dad, Stacey “Pete” Yazzie, has always been a solid rock for me and my family. He is a worker. He’s never been afraid of a hard days work and with this trial his day of work will be much different than he is use to but I know he will give it his all. That’s how he is. He gives 100% in all he does. I don’t think he has any quit in him. He’s a pillar of strength and patience. He’s a giver who gives so much to his family, friends, and community.

Stacey “Pete” Yazzie, friend, coworker, and Coach are a few of the other hats he wears. He continues to work as a heavy equipment mechanic and electrician for NTEC-Navajo Mine. He’s been coaching for the last 30 years. He’s coached my brother and I throughout our entire lives and honestly still does to this day. He has been an Assistant Coach for the past 12years for the Piedra Vista High School Softball team. He loves to laugh and tease those he cares for. He will definitely get you with a few zingers and I know that won’t be stopping anytime soon. So please continue to give it right back to him.

After receiving the news that he may have cancer a few weeks ago my parents were left to make a decision on where he will get treatment. Many obstacles stood in the way with doctors and cancer center locally. We as a family put our trust in God and knew he would show us where my Dad needed to go. He delivered big for us! The Mayo Clinic in Arizona was able to get him in the following week and with appointments for tests, scans, and meeting with the team that will assist in this fight. Not only was this a blessing at that time, it has continued to be one especially as results from these appointments have come back.

As the results came back we found out that my Dad has stage 4 Rectal Cancer that has metastasized to his liver, kidney, and lymph nodes with many spots and tumors in each area. He will be receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ.

The Mayo Clinic is 400 miles from his home in Farmington, NM. As each of you know gas is not cheap at the moment with no sign of coming down. Traveling will be done to and from AZ so with that comes many expenses. Expenses will include travel (gas and car maintenance), place to live, groceries, and any medical expenses that will be incurred.

Getting him the best care wouldn’t be possible without his wife, Thelma. They have been married for 34 years and have handled many challenges together. I believe all those challenges leading to this was only preparing them for this next challenge. Their love continues to grow stronger and stronger daily. I know together they are an unstoppable force. Thelma has recently resigned from her career in data research, which requires lots of traveling, in order to be by his side every step of the way.

My parents are the first ones to give their time, money, and support to the community, friends, and family. My hope is that we can do the same for him while he fiercely fights this battle with cancer.

At this time with so many asking what they can do any monetary donations, positive thoughts and prayers, and gifts are all greatly appreciated.

With much love to each of you!

⁃ Sheasia Yazzie