Let's help our good friends Doug and Jennifer

already had his oldest daughter, Courtney. In the summer of 1999 Doug was laid off from GE and

became a Contract Driver for Fed Ex Ground. November 2002, they were married. Two months later

Jennifer was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Their daughter Audrey was born May 24, 2006.

Jennifer continued work for GE while constant relapses contributed to her MS progression. With

doctor’s advise she received permanent disability in May 2012.

Doug was diagnosed October 2020 with stage 4 rectal cancer that had already metastasized to one lung

and his liver. He responded well to Chemo and Radiation at that time but was unable to work during

this period and they used up their savings to make ends meet. With treatments complete in May 2021,

he returned to Fed Ex and worked his normal job. All appeared stable as routine CAT scans were

performed through January 2022 to monitor the cancer that was still in his lung and liver. In February

2022, a CAT scan revealed the cancer in his lung and liver progressed but not enough at that point to

have more Chemo or Radiation (would have caused harm to his good cells). May 2022, Doug went to

the ER with severe back pain. A mass on his vertebrae from T8-T10 was found. A follow up Pet scan

soon revealed that cancer had spread into his vertebrae, left humerus bone and shoulder, lungs

(engulfed both), liver (engulfed), adrenal glands, lymph nodes, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity. His

doctor explained that Doug’s cancer was now considered terminal but that one to three years of life is

possible with treatment. Chemo and Radiation was scheduled immediately, but Doug can no longer

work per with the advance stage of the cancer. The only family income is Jennifer’s disability checks

(which do not cover all basic household expenses).

Doug is Jennifer’s love of her life, her happily ever after and her one true love. As devastating as this

diagnosis is, it is just as hard knowing that Doug will not be here for the years to come. He will not be

here to watch his daughter’s walk down the isle or any major life milestones that includes Jennifer,

Courtney and Audrey.