Bud Schwab Bud's Journey

For those that know Bud there is very little that needs to be said about him.  He is your friend in good times and bad. He’s the first to step up when you need some help or just need someone to talk with. He is the guy that when he asks “How you Been?”, really wants to know. Whether it’s an alumni cause or a local charity, Bud is there in person to help get things done. His is also one of the first to give money.  His enthusiasm is contagious. He is simply one of the finest men you will ever know. 

In May, after several series of tests and the removal of his appendix, Bud was diagnosed with Stage 4 Stomach Cancer.  Bud is going to MD Anderson bi-weekly for treatment of this aggressive disease. Prior to his first treatment, Bud qualified for a clinical trial that combines his chemo treatments with immunotherapy. According to the Cancer Research Institute, the trial is " designed to unleash or enhance pre-existing anti-cancer immune responses. Immunotherapy represents the most promising new cancer treatment approach since the development of the first chemotherapies in the 1940s. Immunotherapy can 'train' the immune system to remember cancer cells. This 'immunomemory' may result in longer-lasting and potentially permanent protection against cancer recurrence." You can read more about immunotherapy at https://www.cancerresearch.org/immunotherapy/what-is-immunotherapy.

As Bud fights this battle, he wants those visiting this site to know that he is a Christian.  He has faith that God has his condition under control and he is prepared to be a witness whatever the outcome.  The Bible verse carrying Bud through this journey is 2 Timothy 1:7, " For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Bud's motto, "Be Fearless" is based on this verse and he encourages you to "Be Fearless" in your faith that God will carry him through this journey.  Bud has a very positive outlook on his diagnosis as he knows that God is in control. Bud encourages you to join him in this positive outlook, supporting him with encouragement, kind words and most of all, lifting him, his family and his healthcare team up in prayer. 

Regardless of the eventuality, there are real needs that we can help address.  Bud has been self-employed his whole life and does not have sick days or a salary to fall back on.  He has payments that are ongoing and medical expenses that are yet unknown.  Yes, he has insurance, but some of his treatments will not be covered.  His expenses over the next months are more than he will be able to meet.  We have the opportunity to do for Bud what he has done for so many.  That is to stand in the gap to get him through this time of crisis.  A GoFundMe account has been created so we can all help.  Bud's friends would ask that you prayerfully search your heart and give what you can today and then see if you can give a little more in the future.  The man you will be helping is worth it.  You can contribute to Bud's GoFundMe account at https://www.gofundme.com/Budschwabsjourney

Bud has a tough fight ahead of him and as his friends, our job is to remain strong in our faith, diligent in our prayers and thoughtful with our words. Bud would like everyone to know "It is well with his soul" and that he firmly believes God is in control of his journey. 

In addition to this site, you can also follow Bud's progress on Facebook -  "Bud's Journey, A Place For Encouragement And Healing" (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2081082048815181/about/) .