Help John Beat Cancer!
My dad, John Powell, went to the ER with stomach pains a few days before New Year's Eve, 2016. He assumed it was indigestion, or an ulcer, perhaps.
Within a week, x-rays revealed multiple tumors in his stomach. Before another week was over, he was rushed to a specialist center in Texas and diagnosed with lymphoma.
You never know what life will hurl your way, but Dad has kept a good sense of humor and optimism throughout this whirlwind ordeal. The cancer is aggressive and spread quickly, but he's begun chemotherapy at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and we're all hopeful for a complete recovery.
As my parents live several hours away in Mobile, Alabama, the expenses of seeking treatment out-of-state have accumulated rapidly. They qualify for short-term disability, which will provide some income for 90 days. However, Dad's treatment will require him to be in Houston for at least six months.
It's fortunate that the Powells are a close family, and are all eager to help each other through difficult times. But it's the reality that prolonged cancer treatment is a significant financial burden: one that's often impossible to bear alone. Any donations, of any amount, would be so greatly appreciated as we seek care to restore Dad to cancer-free health.
Every cent donated to this account will go directly to John's medical expenses. 2016 may be off to a rocky start, but we're all confident that Dad will improve with each passing day. And by New Year's 2017, we hope you'll all join us for a party celebrating his victory over lymphoma! 
