“Do you think they’ll keep me overnight?”
He asked it so casually, lying on a thin hospital mattress, shifting uncomfortably as pain radiated through his stomach. The steady beeping of machines filled the room. I tried to reassure him – we were there for what we thought was a simple issue.
“They’ll probably just help get things moving again and we’ll be home,” I said.
Moments later, everything changed.
A doctor walked in, introduced himself, and delivered words that shattered out world.:
A cancer mass has been found on Gill’s colon. It is blocking his bowels.
Surgery would happen the next day.
Just like that.
There are no words strong enough to fully describe what that moment felt like. Time seemed to stop, yet everything inside me was racing – fear, disbelief, heartbreak. I watched a stranger walk out of the room after changing our lives forever.
When the door clicked shut, reality set in.
I turned to Gill. This man—full of life, compassion, and a relentless drive to help others—looked at me searching for answers I didn’t have. I wanted to tell him it was a mistake, a bad dream, anything but the truth. Instead, I held him as we both cried.
Somewhere in that moment, I found the strength to say what people always say:
“We’ll get through this. Together.”
His response broke me even more.
“How?”
“How am I supposed to survive this? I’m barely making it now… How do I fight cancer and still pay bills, buy groceries, keep the lights on? How do I take care of everything?”
I didn’t have answers—only faith. Faith that somehow we would find a way. Faith in people, in compassion, in the goodness of others.
Because if there’s one thing you should know about Gill, it’s this:
He is the kind of person who shows up for everyone. He gives without hesitation, helps without being asked, and never expects anything in return. But he has always struggled to ask for help himself.
Now, he needs it.
What We’ve Been Through
The days following his diagnosis blurred together.
Gill underwent surgery where doctors removed the tumor and seven inches of his colon. He now has a colostomy bag—something he is still trying to physically and emotionally adjust to.
But the journey didn’t stop there.
- A week later, doctors suspected another blockage.
- He underwent a second emergency surgery, where they discovered his bowels had folded.
- He experienced ongoing complications, including severe hiccups that made breathing difficult.
- Recovery has been painful, exhausting, and unpredictable.
Despite everything, Gill continues to fight.
The Reality We’re Facing
While Gill has been battling for his life in the hospital, life outside hasn’t paused.
- Bills have piled up.
- Our power was shut off due to nonpayment.
- The financial burden of surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing care continues to grow.
Gill wants nothing more than to come home, to heal in a place where he feels safe. But the stress of how we will manage financially weighs heavily on both of us.
No one fighting cancer should also have to choose between treatment and keeping the lights on.
How You Can Help
We are asking for help so Gill can focus on what matters most: healing.
Your support will go toward:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Necessary supplies for his colostomy care
- Basic living expenses (utilities, groceries, housing)
- Creating a stable environment for his recovery at home
Every donation, share, and prayer means more than we can put into words.
Gill has spent his life helping others without question.
Now, we’re asking—on his behalf—for that kindness to come back to him.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for caring, and for standing with us in this fight.