Hey friends,
First, we want to apologize for the delay in the update. Things have been moving fast here and we finally got a second to sit down and post something. Thank you for your support as always!
We’ve been meaning to share this update, and May brought some long-awaited, deeply needed good news: Ross’ tumor is shrinking. Cue the joyful tears, the stunned silence, and the “wait—did they just say that?” moment in the exam room. That’s right… after months of travel, appointments, scans, second opinions, prayers, experimental trials, and deep-digging courage, we’re continuing to see measurable progress. It’s the kind of news that makes you cry in the exam room and then high-five in the parking lot.
After months of navigating medical mazes, paperwork puzzles, and out-of-state travel for care, we continue to see movement in the right direction. Ross’ ocular melanoma tumor, which once measured 18.4mm x 21.3 mm x 7.4 mm, has shrunk by 50%. That’s something we don’t take lightly. Progress like this is sacred.
But our journey isn’t finished. Not even close.
📅 What’s Coming Up
In less than a week, Ross will undergo plaque radiation treatment. This targeted therapy involves placing a small radioactive plaque on the eye. The goal is to kill the remaining cancer cells. At the beginning of this journey, we were told he would need two plaques due to the size of the tumor. After six months in the Darovasertib clinical trial, we received the best news. He only needs one plaque now.
Yes, there’s more travel out of state. It’s intense, and honestly? It’s a bit scary. But it’s also filled with purpose. We’ve given him, in our opinion, the best shot at stopping cancer in its tracks.
🎥 Watch Ross Share His Story
Ross recently participated in the Eyepatch Challenge, where he bravely shared his experience and helped raise awareness for ocular melanoma. As you know, Ross is a man of few words. I’m so proud of him for sharing his story. Take a moment to watch this video — it’s real, raw, and full of grit.
💛 How You Can Support Our Family
This journey has tested us financially just as much as emotionally. Because there are no in-network providers for Ross’ care in Louisiana, we’ve been traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and managing a mountain of out-of-pocket costs.
If you’d like to support Ross and our family directly, here are a few ways:
- 🧡 GoFundMe – Funds go directly to us with a small administrative fee deducted. This helps us pay for non-covered travel expenses, co-pays, and whatever life throws at us on this journey.
- 🧠 Help Me Bounce – Funds go directly to our creditors and bills. You can help us directly paying a portion of our mortgage, car payment, medical bills, utilities, etc. The offsetting of these funds helps us afford the treatments and travel necessary to help Ross heal today and in the coming months.
🙌 Organizations Doing Good: Eye on Grace
We also want to shine a light on Eye on Grace. This nonprofit stepped in and covered some of the travel cost in grants. They did this with no questions asked. Their support has been life-giving, and we are so grateful. If you’re looking for a place to give that truly makes a difference, they’re it.
🌱 What’s Next
June brings plaque surgery. July brings recovery. And everything after that? Well, it’s full of possibility.
We don’t know yet what side effects Ross may experience, especially when it comes to vision loss or discomfort. But we’re approaching each appointment with cautious optimism. We bring unshakable love. We also rely on the kind of humor that helps get you through airport delays and hospital waiting rooms.
✨ A Final Note of Gratitude
We’re not alone in this fight. We know that because you’ve shown up. In messages, in prayers, in donations, and in love. Thank you for walking beside us—for believing in what’s possible and for helping us fight for it.
With love and hope,
The Traveling Withers
thetravelingwithers.com 
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