Richie's Medical Fund

My name is Alexis Smith and over four years ago, my little brother, Richie, was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in November of 2012. Before, he was having horrible headaches that were so bad that he couldn't go to school. It continued to get worse. He went to the hospital the day before Thanksgiving 2012 and was told he had swelling in his brain and would have to stay. He stayed in the ICU and had surgery that Saturday, our mother's birthday. We thought the worst was over when the surgery went successfully. He was moved from ICU and doing well.  About a week later, the doctors came to speak with us, some already in tears. They told us that Richie was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. We were all shocked, but Richie causually put his arms behind his head and said okay. Richie stayed positive the entire time. He always had friends in the hospital and made new friends with all the doctors and staff. 

Since then, he has undergone radiation and multiple forms of chemotherapy. About a year into treatment, he started to lose his mobility on the left side of his body. This meant continued physical and occupational therapy, but it also meant that he couldn't play the guitar and violin like he loves. Richie is an artist and loves to create. He finds ways to continue to make art, but he misses being able to play instruments the way he used to. 

Even with Richie's continued improvement, insurance only covers some of the cost and only provides a certain number of physical therapy sessions. 

This has been a tough journey, and different obstacles continue to come into his path. But Richie and our family continue to stay positive, and know that God has a plan for us. We would greatly appreciate any help you are willing to offer with Richie's medical bills.

For more information about Richie and his life, visit:
www.facebook.com/prayers4richie