My name is Steven Lawley, and I’m a single father raising two amazing kids—my daughter Amiah (15) and my son Steven Jr. (12, soon to be 13). For most of my life, I’ve worked with my hands as a general contractor and painter. I started at just 13 years old and never stopped—until cancer forced me to.
I was born and raised here in Tacoma, Washington. Life wasn’t easy growing up—my mom kicked me out when I was nine, and I had to survive on my own. Work became my way forward, and building a life for my kids has always been my greatest purpose. But today, I’m facing a fight I never imagined.
Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Doctors removed my left testicle, but the surgery revealed it had already spread into my blood. Now, they’ve found five more tumors in my lymph nodes. The cancer is spreading, and I need to begin chemotherapy immediately, followed by five additional surgeries.
Right now, I have no income. I’ve applied for Social Security assistance, but the process is slow, and I cannot afford to wait—every day without treatment puts me further at risk. I haven’t received any financial aid yet, and without help, I can’t cover even the basic costs of care.
That’s why I’m asking for your support. My goal is to raise $25,000, which will go directly toward:
- Chemotherapy treatments and hospital visits not yet covered by insurance.
- Upcoming surgeries to remove the remaining tumors.
- Basic living expenses (rent, groceries, utilities) for my kids while I am unable to work.
- Transportation and medication costs tied to ongoing treatment.
Asking for help is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve always been the one providing for my family with my own two hands. But today, I can’t do this alone. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring me one step closer to starting treatment and being here for my children.
If you can’t give financially, I ask you to please share my story with others or leave a message of encouragement—we read them together as a family, and they give us strength. I promise to keep this page updated with my progress as I fight through each round of treatment.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with me and my kids during this battle. Your kindness means more than words can express.
—Steven
