Support for Darren Albrecht & Family

Starting the week of Thanksgiving, preparing for the holiday took a drastic turn when Darren, my bad, collapsed in our living room. Within minutes the living room was filled with medical personnel and fire fighters. With his blood pressure being at 84/40 he was rushed to the hospital. Within just two hours, 37 tests had been run and with the possibilities being many, doctors at Texas Southwest decided to admit him for what would be the next two days.

November 27th, the night before Thanksgiving, we got the news that no loved one wants to hear. The results from his endoscopy came back with images of a large tumor where his esophagus meets his stomach. We were soon told what this was, Stage III Esophageal Gastric Cancer.

Along with this prognosis, there are other complications due to the existence of the tumor. One of which being anemia, a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body that we now know as the reason for his passing out. Ongoing implications of the anemia are contributing to his low energy levels, weakness, dizziness, lethargy and chest pain.

To combat his low iron count he has been going to Texas Oncology once a week to receive iron infusions to help his body prepare for the journey that we as a family are going to be up against.

Since November 27th, my father, as many of you know, has been a professional mobile auto detailer for over a decade and has always taken the most pride in what he does. The majority of his clientele have become like family over the years and have been more than understanding of the current situation. With this being said, my dad has been unable to work since this journey of ours has begun. It has been a massive adjustment from two incomes, down to the one. Not including the time off of work my mom, Kellee, has taken off for appointments and hospital trips and for what is still to come. Along with everyday tasks such as, preparing meals, cleaning the home and caring for my father. Not to mention, my dad did not have medical insurance so all of the procedures thus far have been paid out of their pockets.

My parents story started a long time ago, on the second of January they will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. My father met my mother when he was 23, she was 30 (don’t worry, I still give her grief about it) and they have been inseparable since the day they met. My parents' relationship is one that I look up to, the epitome of “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.” I hope to find one day the love they have for each other in my own partner.

For those that don’t know me, hi, my name is Sierra! I am the youngest of three siblings and a combination of both of my parents best traits. I am a senior at Texas State University and will be graduating in May with a major in journalism and minor in criminal justice. This experience has been trying in multiple ways as a child of someone with cancer. With this being my second time around witnessing a parent having cancer, my parents are strong and my dad will fight and win. Having been home for the winter break, it has made the beginning of this process easier knowing that I am here to help. With time going as fast as it does, I will be returning to San Marcos in just a few short weeks to complete my program. Having to be away from a majority of the consultations and appointments is a hard and painful situation to be in.

Prayers are the number one thing that my family is in need of at this point in time. Prayers for strength for my father for the future iron infusions and chemo treatments. Prayers for my amazing mother as she is going to be his primary caregiver. Prayers for the doctors and nurses who have already been incredible up until this point and who will continue to make my father healthy once again.

We are also asking if everyone could give just a dollar or an amount you are led to help with to help offset treatments, medical bills, food, household bills, etc. This would make a huge difference for the battles my family is going to face.

Thank you, thank you and thank you for your help, your support and your prayers for my family and please know that any contribution will not go unnoticed.

We will be adding updates to this page as we continue fighting this journey. All we ask is that you please join us in standing and believing for complete healing over my fathers body, continuance of mental positivity and for the ending of this nightmare. This miracle will be done in Jesus' name!

Thank you all so much! All of your continued prayers are all greatly appreciated!