Viel Family Cancer Fundraiser

My name is Jennifer and thankfully, I have never previously had reason to set up a GoFundMe.

 

No one in my immediate circle has had such a significant struggle that we felt it was appropriate to reach out past close friends and family. We’ve all had struggles, and we’ve definitely needed help, just not quite dire enough to ask something like this. But the current struggles of this young, sweet family are a little more than we’re capable of handling alone.

 

Meet Ryan and Kabrina. Ryan is a student, working toward a civil engineering degree. He and his wife, Kabrina, started their cute family with the birth of an adorable little girl, Rosie. Shortly after, a second adorable little girl, Evalynn joined their family, and now they are welcoming a son, due this month (March).

 

Like John Lennon said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” and the family started experiencing some of that this last Christmas when Ryan found a tumor. He knew something wasn’t right and was in severe pain. He and Kabrina made one of those very unplanned trips to the ER where they discovered he needed emergency surgery to get it removed.

While the prognosis was initially hopeful, the cancer staging exposed the risks of another story. Doctors determined there was a possibility cancer cells had entered the bloodstream, along with a concerning spot on his kidney. Unfortunately, it was decided chemo would be necessary.

Treatment couldn’t wait until current classes are over, or until his summer job starts again, or until their son is born. In addition to Ryan’s struggles, Kabrina is expected to give birth any day, while Ryan is still undergoing chemo.

Finishing a degree and taking care of littles are worthy goals to work toward, but of course come with normal life challenges too. In addition to the cancer, both their cars have broken down since the tumor was discovered. Their bigger family car, now needs a new transmission that will cost more to replace than the car is actually worth.

The cars are life stuff. Problems that most of us are familiar with. Always frustrating, but mostly manageable. I’m sure the family would normally work through that without much of a hiccup, but combined with the cancer, it’s all less manageable, and definitely unfamiliar.

 

Throughout this last couple months, Ryan and Kabrina have worked hard to keep their faith and rely on the Lord. Ryan’s last Facebook post:

 

“The Lord is with us in the hard times. Normally I keep these things to myself, but I’ve been feeling lately that part of the reason I’m going through these trials is so I can testify of Christ’s power to help. Or at least part of my duty.

 

We’ve received monumentous help from so many people, family and friends. Still, a few days ago I found my self super discouraged, feeling unable to even help my wife change a diaper on my toddler without throwing up. I got on my knees and prayed, I said I just wanted my wife taken care of and to get support. I begged for angels. I felt my overwhelming nausea go away, my uncomfortableness ease and I was able to stand and help her change Evalynn’s diaper. I felt the Lord tell me “I am with you. I stand with you. Now serve.”

 

I was able to help with the diaper and cleaning up the house. Shortly after the nausea returned. I was still feeling sad that sickness seemed to be returning and that I was noticing new symptoms. Rosie was sitting on the car seat base pretending to drive and asked me so sweetly if I wanted to go to the park with her. We both sat down and pretended to drive to the park.

 

A few minutes later I was so tired and sick, I laid down in the girls room on Rosie’s bed. Evalynn just went, “Oh, I’ll get you blanket” and lovingly tucked me in and then spent a few moments trying to snuggle. I prayed the Lord would send angels and He certainly did.

 

I love my life. He has sent angels through so many wonderful family members, ward members, and dear friends. And especially in the moments when you feel alone, especially when you feel you have no right to complain or feel bad but you still do, He is with you.”

 

 

Friends, I know the Lord is with them too. I know He’s sending angels like Ryan said. And I know some of those angels are here in person, helping them from this side. They need some help and prayers while Kabrina faces the birth and recovery of their next baby and Ryan faces treatment and recovery of his chemotherapy. Funds will be used to replace or repair one of their cars while Ryan is incapable of fixing it, dinners, child care, transportation costs of hospital commutes, the likely repayment of tuition costs for incomplete classes, and the loss and delay of income that they are and will continue to experience for the next several months.

 

Please understand we’re well aware this is a big ask. Anything - including prayers - are immensely appreciated. One of the most incredible and humbling things to experience as a human, is the sacrifice of another on your behalf.

 

Thank you for your love and support. ❤️