(photo by Nicoli Productions)July 17, 2009, I saw myself as his “rock” while he broke into pieces, telling me his dad has pancreatic cancer, stage 4 with a life expectancy of 4 months...six if he’s lucky.
The diagnosis, a complete shock to the entire family and very over-whelming to my mother in-law. She is in her sixties, still works and takes Clay to treatment twice a week for 3 weeks each month. The drive is a little over an hour each-way. She has medical issues herself but never complains and puts her husband, her family and others first.
The cancer is in his pancreas, liver and lymph nodes. We are now approaching month four and my father-in-law is responding to chemotherapy and taking it like a "champ" but his lymph nodes in his neck area are increasing so they will begin radiation in that area of his neck as soon as possible. Clay (my father in-law) is now dealing with the symptoms of the chemotherapy. He is nauseous with vomiting, weakness, easily fatigued, loosing weight, loss of appetite, etc.
Halloween Party & Fund-raiser
October 31, 2009
FireHouse Kitchen
218 Goodwin St.
Prescott, AZ
8:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Live Music
*Raffle Prizes
Costume Contest
Featuring Art work by local Artist, Angela York
$5.00 Admission
*50% of proceeds will be donated to Clayton Dyke (my father in law)
Those of you who know us, are aware that Clay is from a very small town in Pennsylvania. Millerton, PA. is so small they still have no traffic light. It is a small farming community with not a whole lot of resources. The resources are usually the churches and your neighbors for assistance.
Clay and June (my in-laws) have always lived a wholesome and simple lifestyle. Rich in values and morals. They have lived in the same 2-bedroom house for over thirty years (in which they converted into a 3 bedroom themselves), their main source of heat in the winter is firewood and they are always the first to help others.
Back in Pennsylvania it is approaching winter months and Clay and June will need help in many ways. Since we are thousands of miles away we are putting together a fundraiser. The funds raised will help Clay and June to pay for firewood, landscaper, gas, medical bills and treatment.
If you would like to make a donation we would be so grateful. We thank you for you for taking the time to read this and your consideration.
If there is one thing I know that will piece together my "rock", it's him witnessing how people come together to help his dad. Clay's greatest attribute is his helping hands. He is a reflection of his dad. Why not contribute to a cause of my father-in-law suffering pancreatic cancer who has dedicated his life to serving his country & community?
Sincerely,
Fetu
*If you are unable to attend the event you can donate by form of check, money order or credit card. All donations send to
StarStruck!
c/o Clayton Dyke Fundraiser
852 S. Allen Dr.
Prescott AZ 86303 payable to Clayton Dyke. *Receipts available. The fundraiser will end Thanksgiving day (November 26, 2009).
