You and Me VS Stage III PanCan

Hello!

My name is Richard Edward Serrano, a 31 year old Coloradoan transplant from Chicago. I may be a relative, friend, co-worker or even a complete stranger to you but I will start by thanking you for taking the time to hear my story. The intent of this GoFundMe is to collect a year's salary in order to cover medical costs, living expenses and ideally enough funds to allow for travel to visit any loved ones whom will have me asap. Reason for the collection is due to the diagnosis, costly treatment and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. A goal of mine is to have these funds collected by or before the end of the year. Now, onto the story of my diagnosis and my reaction to it.

I moved out to Colorado approximately 9 years ago now from Chicago with aspirations of a fresh start and the beginning of a life immersed in the Rockies. A position at a local roller rink allowed me to afford the move and the ambition of a caffeinated, twenty-something year old made it happen. The moment I arrived I knew I made the change that would define my life. Roller skating, outdoor adventures and of course four-wheel drive became key components of my character and I have made sure to share that through social media. I have experienced several jobs, living situations and even a marriage over the past 9 years as many of you reading this have. With having only suffered "the common cold" or maybe a fever over the course of this time line, I assumed I was "as healthy as a horse".

Fast forward to Spring 2021, I was no longer the healthy steed untouched by illnesses or pain. I became yellow with jaundice to then find blood in my urine and movements. Being the stubborn individual I can be, I had to be advised to visit an urgent care. Labs were completed and an MRI was taken. While awaiting the results, I experienced a violent abdominal pain that put me face down on the floor in tears certain that my insides were deteriorating. A trip to the ER had me immediately redirected to the OR where my cholecystectomy was performed. If you were not aware, you can live without your gallbladder the same as you can live without an appendix. Mine had failed and began creating sludge. I assumed I was in the clear just as the biopsy results revealed carcinoma in the general of my gastrointestinal tract. What feels like moments later the cancerous mass in my pancreas was unveiled with a PET scan, a port for chemo therapy was "installed" and the fight was on.

Many of you know of my condition and have contributed tremendous levels of support. The truth is the unfortunate circumstance still leaves me unable to miss much any work outside my weekly visit for treatment. The income and insurance my position provides is what has afforded me to get this far so taking a week off or longer would be detrimental to my insurance coverage and costs of living. A short, medically determined "timeline" tells me to reprioritize. This "timeline" is something that has been agreed on by surgeons, oncologists and a multitude of other health professionals. It was genetically in the cards for me and now has a grip on my life that I cannot seem to shake.

The figure I set out for as a goal is an income I am unsure I can obtain in the time frame I have been given. Rather than working full time while juggling treatment and awaiting an unpredictable prospective surgery, I would rather focus on family, friends and wellness. Being able to afford the adequate time off work for recovery, costs of living and opportunities visit friends and family would mean everything. Before you ask, I have looked into short-term and long-term disabilities with my job and the state. None of the options are available to me nor do I believe I have the time to await a decision on the allocation of funds. There may be other options for fundraising but the truth is the predicted "timeline" does not allow for research, application and a fingers-crossed approached on awaiting a decision for grants or government assistance.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for a donation made if made. I have appreciated will continue to thrive on your prayers, small gifts and motions of support as well. This fundraiser will help achieve a dream I can only hope to live out. Obviously the goal is to assume a much longer time frame but that unfortunately does not seem realistic. Asking for assistance is not my forte so here is my call for help. Please help me obtain my goal and I will be forever grateful. Thank you and I pray you have a blessed life.

@that_is_rich