Cancer knows no boundaries...

I would like to take a moment to tell you a sad story about a man and his best friend. About 4 years ago, my dad saved a little puppy from a very abusive situation. Had he not come along, she would have surely died from the abuse she was receiving at the hands of two ornery boys. Because of the circumstances, he decided to name her Lucky.

Since then, they are seldom seen without the other. Dad did not so much as go to the bank without Lucky riding along with him. They were like peanut butter and Jelly, they just fit together. Dad and Lucky had a bond like no other.

You see, for quite a few years my dad has been totally disabled (as far a work goes). He hurt his back really badly in a working accident. Despite numerous back operations, he has been unable to return to work. Because of that, my mom has to work two jobs just to keep meager food on the table. Since dad is alone at home so much, Lucky helped him keep his sanity.

Well, about three years ago, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It started in his large intestine, but now has spread to various areas of his body including his lungs. The doctors say that he is in the forth stage. Since my dad is unable to work, the family has quite the financial burden. Mom's two jobs have minimal pay, and no health insurance. Dad does have his VA, but they offer very little help. Mom has to take a lot of time off work to drive him the two hours to VA. Dad also has to pay most of his prescription costs.

Because of a complication from one of the surgeries to try to remove some of the cancer, dad has a hernia larger than a basketball in the area of his low stomach and private area. With all of his medical problems, he is in constant pain. With all the financial problems, he is in constant worry. Debt has climbed to the HIGH thousands. They are no living beyond their means, as they call a small singlewide rented trailer home. The rest of their lifestyle is just a meager.

Just when you thought the situation could get no worse, the vet diagnosed my dad's best friend (Lucky) with cancer of the mammary gland. Basically, his best pal has breast cancer. The vet says that at this stage, her cancer is treatable. She has a chance at life. Most importantly, she has a chance to show my dad that he doesn't have to give up and that he is not alone in his fight to live.

Our entire family has spent all we have to help my father, and do not have the financial means that it takes to help Lucky. The bills will get very high for her. My dad is in a fragile state, and needs his best friend.

I don't like to beg. I would like to think that that is not what I am doing. I am hoping that someone can relate and would like to help. I have donated money all my life to help others out. I am truly hoping that someone will be able to help someone I love. All donations will go to paying the vast number of bills that have and will be accumulated because of my dad's and Lucky's fights with cancer.

If you can help, I would greatly appreciate it! The following is a list of suggestions for things that would greatly help:
* Prayers
* General Donation
* Coupons (what dad can save can go to the care of himself and Lucky)
* Gift Cards (again, what dad can save can go to the care of himself and Lucky)

If you are unable to help financially, please at least send Dad and Lucky your prayers and/or best wishes. Please note, if you use PayPal, I will be using the PayPal account debit card to pay the vet cost.

Thank You!!!

Anything that needs be mailed should be directed to:
J. Green
P/O Box 1143
Norlina, NC 27563

For PayPal:

I would like to take a moment to share a little story I found. I do not know who is the author it, but they wrote a really touching piece.

Heaven's Gate

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that his faithful dog had been dead for many years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. As he reached the wall, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch, and the street that led to the gate made from pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water? We have traveled far," the man said.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up."

The man gestured, and the gate began to open. "Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment, remembering all the years this dog remained loyal to him and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going.

After another long walk, he came to a plain dirt road, which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.

As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water? We have traveled far."

"Yes, sure, there's a faucet over there." The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in and help yourself."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to his dog.

"There should be a bowl by the faucet; he is welcome to share."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned faucet with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No. We're just happy that they screen out the folks who'd leave their best friends behind in exchange for material things."