MEDICAL EMERGENCY-Lifesaving surgery for Fernie!

Hi, my name is Sarah. I am fundraising for Fernie Soto, father of Savannah and loving husband of Elaine, who has been my dearest friend for 15 years. They are going through something unexpected and devastating, and with their permission, I am sharing Fernie's story. I ask for your support for this wonderful family.

Fernie hasn't been feeling himself for a few months now. He experienced pain and discomfort, and the doctor told him he had gallstones. That diagnosis inspired him to change his eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle, and soon the symptoms subsided.

Around mid-September, he experienced so much pain he ended up in the ER. He informed the medical staff that he had gallstones and was sure this was the cause of his misery.

The doctors suspected something more to it; unfortunately, they were correct. A scan revealed that Fernie had a rare tumor on his bile duct that, via a biopsy, was already showing precancerous changes.

For the past few weeks, his life has been entirely dismantled and turned upside down! After a brief hospital stay, tons of tests and an MRI, the oncologist said they couldn't confirm this was cancer until they performed the surgery. However, they have enough information to know they must be aggressive and remove an estimated 30% to 40% of his liver.

So many things are unknown right now, and so much depends on how the surgery goes on Monday, November 7th.

Anyone who knows Fernie will tell you he is the gentlest, kindest and most caring person you will ever meet. He is deeply in love with his wife, Elaine, of 15 years and is adored by their beautiful 2-year-old daughter, Savannah. When Fernie is not at work, you find him spending quality time with his family and faith, listening to country music, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Fernie is the type of person who loves life so much, and when you are near him, his love and happiness are contagious. Fernie is a pillar in his family, and we want him to recover and return to his everyday life as quickly as possible!

Elaine and Fernie are facing unimaginable stress in the coming days, adding to the financial strain of the medical bills; this financial burden is something we would like to help lift off their shoulders. The donations will help offset the medical expenses he will incur during his surgery and hospital stay.

I'm asking we come together and rally for Fernie! Please help support the Soto family and bring them just a sliver of peace and comfort during this challenging time. Please pray that the surgery goes smoothly and he comes out of this cancer free.

Please consider even just the smallest donation. If we all unite and donate just a little, we could reach our goal, and I can't think of anyone more deserving.

Thank you for sharing this with your friends and family and for your prayers and generosity.