Hello everyone, for those who do not know me and my family, my name is Owen Byard, and I am here with my sister Ashley Byard, writing this in disbelief. My father, John Byard, only 53 years of age, who was living a happy, active life, had a bad stroke and was sent to the emergency room 3 weeks ago. (We also received the devastating news that cancer was found as well.) He now does not have full movement on his right side and needs a lot of physical therapy and rehabilitation to attempt to gain strength and movement back. As of this time, he is considered disabled as he can no longer drive or work. He worked for a small company that did not offer benefits, so he does not have any short or long-term disability he can collect in the meantime and does not meet the age limit for social security.
While he was in the hospital, he was being tested for many things, and he was also diagnosed with lymphoma cancer that was found by performing bone, lung, and skin biopsies. Due to MRI and CAT scans finding many nodules in his lungs and stomach, he also has 2 lesions on his brain from the stroke. My father currently does not have insurance and was denied through the state already. We have reapplied, but there is no telling when or what is going to happen with that. He needs a PET scan to determine the current stage of cancer and the proper treatment needed, and that’s just the start to get things rolling. That test alone without insurance is $2,500.00. He also has to go to weekly doctor’s appointments as of right now that are running $200.00 to $150.00 per appointment, and they could be needed more than once a week. There’s still so many answers we need. We don’t even know what this is going to cost out of pocket without insurance, but we can’t sit and wait for the state, so I’m coming to fundraiser in hopes that anyone can find it in their heart to help out in any way possible to help get my father started on treatment that is desperately needed to help save his life. Those who know me know I don’t like to ask for help, but at this time, we really need all the help we can get. Bills don’t stop. My mother, Dawn Byard, has been out of work due to this because she has to care for my father as we do not at this time have a home nurse, which is also needed so my mom can return to work and keep the bills for the house and basic living necessities going. Just in this short amount of time already, it is draining our pockets quickly, and in this day and age, life is hard enough to survive already. So I ask anyone who can find it in their heart to help start the process to help save my father’s life. It is more than greatly appreciated. Anything will help! Even a share and a prayer will go a long way !!
