Cancer can eat a lemon.

It's that time of the year where we rally as a community and support the annual Laurens County Relay for Life event. When we were younger, we went because the cute guy in our technology class would be there. As we got older, we realized it was a really important cause. 

This year, it takes on an entirely different meaning. 

About three weeks ago, I was having dinner with my Aunt Sherry and Granny at Papi Loco. Here I am, enjoying life and being a glutton over cheese dip.

Then bam! Something hits me right between the eyes! 

Granny drops the bomb that my Papa has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. 

Well that will ruin your quesadilla ANY day.

Every possible emotion ran through my head at that moment. I was terrified. Nauseated. Angry. Frustrated.  You never know the impact of cancer until it hits you in the forehead. 

If you know me at all.. You know I've already researched prostate cancer, made a voodoo doll of prostate cancer, jabbed it with a bunch of sticks, and cried a little bit. (Whatever, I'm a crier. Get off my back. ) 

So here's a few FYI's about prostate cancer. 

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2015 are:

• About 220,800 new cases of prostate cancer- one of which is my Papa Billy. 
• About 27,540 deaths from prostate cancer- one of which I pray is NOT my Papa Billy! 

About 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66. (Papa will be 72 this year.) 

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 38 will die of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 2.9 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. (Cancer.org) 

So that's absolutely horrifyingly terrifying. 

So here's what will happen. Papa Billy will start several weeks of radiation in order to prevent the cancer from spreading. Unfortunately, not all of the medical costs will be covered.. And this cancer stuff is EXPENSIVE.  In an attempt to help offset costs, ALL of his prints will be priced at $30. That's a steal, guys. This man is a fanTASTIC artist! SERIOUSLY. 

My papa needs your help. If you find it in your heart to help support my Papa in his battle, please considering doing so by contacting "Billy Morgan Art" by phone {478.256.4111}, by email {billymorganart@yahoo.com}, or by using PayPal {dunnonsite@gmail.com} All of his prints will be available for purchase. 

You can take a look at his prints and other paintings by visiting http://www.billymorganart.com/

If you've ever met my Papa, you know he is one of the kindest souls to ever walk the planet. And if you've ever met my Granny, you know two things: she's an angel on Earth, and she makes a KILLER banana pudding. 

Neither of these beautiful souls deserve the battle that they're about to take on, but it's here. It's raging like a fire. And it's not going anywhere anytime soon. 

Please considering joining my Papa Billy in his battle against cancer by purchasing a print for only $30. If that is not in your heart's desire and you would just like to donate instead, please do so by contacting the information provided above. If neither are financially possible for you, please just keep him and our family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Cancer is on my last nerve. I wish it would kick rocks somewhere. 

Please join me in making sure my Papa is NOT the one out of the 38 men who will lose their life to prostate cancer this year. 

For more information about different types of cancer and your options, please visit www.cancer.org 

Thanks for taking the time to read a post about cancer. 

Love you guys, 

E.