In August 2024, Patrick Morgan — husband, father, veteran, and law enforcement officer — was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. This week, their family received news that no one should ever have to receive: the cancer has spread to the bones in his spine.

Patrick and his wife Lauren are parents to two young boys. They are each other's best advocate, each other's constant. And right now, they are walking through the hardest season of their lives with grace, love, and an honesty that takes your breath away.

Both Patrick and Lauren are currently on indefinite leave from work. Lauren put it simply: "If this is a worst-case scenario, I will not spend the last few months I have with him solving other people's problems while he needs me. And if it isn't — great. But it's not a chance I want to take."

That is a woman choosing her family with everything she has. That is a mother making sure her boys have both parents present for every moment they can. She deserves every ounce of support we can give her.

Lauren's paid leave runs out next week. Patrick is unable to work now. But beyond that, the weight of daily life doesn't pause for cancer, and this family needs a village right now.

Patrick's appointments are becoming more frequent. His treatments will be more intense. Lauren will be by his side for all of it — as his advocate, his partner, and the mother of their children. They are not asking for much. They never do. But they need us now more than ever.

Give what you can. Share this widely. Every dollar, every meal, every hour of childcare is a direct act of love for this family. Let's make sure they feel it.