I am a lucky man. I've got a job I love, an amazing family I don't deserve and a wildly unique platform for engagement with so many people I've "met" along the way — some actually in person, some only through the screen on my laptop or my phone here on social media. I love the interaction. I feed off it. At times, it's my therapy, my outlet, and genuinely a tool I have learned to utilize for work. And make no mistake, I appreciate how unusual having this sort of direct outlet to so many people to share my life, and my nonsense, with is. You all have shown love as I've shared my life here. Well, most of my life. Sure I post plenty about my two amazing daughters, but not all of the people closest to me are as comfortable being as in the public eye as I am, which is why the woman I've been lucky enough to be in a 20-year-relationship with is rarely a part of what the world who knows me only through social media gets to see. I've recently shared that two weeks ago, my rock — Jennifer is her name, for those scoring at home — has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will have surgery in a couple weeks. So far, Jennifer has been far more worried about keeping my spirits up and trying to figure out how to let our loved ones, her coworkers, even the neighbors know without them being sad or worried. She hasn't yet had much of her own outward grieving, panic, anxiety, screaming or whatever outlet she needs. That can't continue. And soon, she'll have no choice but to focus on herself and not worrying about the stresses of all that other reality life outside of cancer may bring. As the first few surgery estimates have been starting to roll in, and despite us being so much better off than so many of our fellow New Mexicans, the out of pocket costs are already daunting to think about for our family. And this is without yet even knowing the full burden of her yet-to-be-determined treatment plan or future fighting the disease after surgery nor does it account for the frustrating reality that while FMLA helps, it doesn't mean she'll be getting paid for the work she will have to miss. No, we aren't in the same situation as many others. We're lucky. But we aren't immune. This disease is one that will challenge our family beyond anything we've ever faced. I debated whether I should share this story, this link. Some of that was just pride, some was based on a very real uneasiness about using the connection I have with so many people gained in large part to merely being a reporter covering a team they like. (No, I don't think you all follow me for my love of La Bamba or insistence on sharing the news anything a New Mexico state flag show up at sporting event). But right now, my rock needs a rock. My family could use a little bit of help I never thought I'd have to ask for. And I'm going to do whatever I can to help Jennifer beat this thing without any added stress she will inevitably put on her self, including financial strains. My daughters deserve that. Jennifer deserves that. There is no roll call. There is no concern in the slightest if you can't or simply don't want to contribute. I mean that. But if you can help us in what looks so far like it's going to be a long, difficult journey, I am here asking that you do so. And if not for the cancer, for the peace of mind a woman who has spent 20 years of her life putting up with me deserves. gofund.me/74b599c8