Editor's Note: A previous version of this story had inconsistencies in Mr. Moore's first name. Hutch Post regrets this error.
By JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson family, impacted by cancer, is raising funds with the help of their surrounding community.
Daniel Moore is afflicted with stage four cancer.
According to his wife, Jerica Moore, it has progressed very fast since they initially found out.
“We believe that the symptoms started back in late September, but they officially came out attacking pretty much on Thanksgiving,” Jerica Moore said.
The Moore family found out Daniel had stage four cancer on Dec. 8.
Jerica admitted she was knocked back at first by the diagnosis.
“I really did not believe it, kind of was still in shock,” Jerica said. “Then I felt like, me personally, I went into that attack mode. Like, ‘what do we need to do to fight this’ and I feel like I'm still in that fight mode.”
“There's nothing that's worse than hearing that you have stage four cancer that’s incurable, and there's nothing they can do really.”
Jerica said the family is scared and that Daniel is in a lot of pain.
Managing Daniel’s pain is the most important thing to the Moore family right now.
According to Jerica, they are trying to get Daniel into a treatment center in Arizona.
“It's in Scottsdale, Arizona,” Jerica said. “They do holistic, so they do not take any type of insurance because the insurance companies, they can tell you how to do your treatment plans and stuff.”
“That's what I'm raising money for is to get him down there, because it's anywhere from, I mean upfront cost is anywhere from $8,000 to $16,000 and then the additional treatments can be anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000.”
Imperial Nutrition, described as a healthy alternative to fast food, will be holding a “Moore Family Day” all day at the restaurant on Friday, Dec. 30, to support the Moore family.
A portion of sales from a specific tea on Imperial Nutrition’s menu, and tips, will go directly to the Moore family. Donations will be accepted as well.
“I want to do it and help them out any way I can,” Kenzie Lyons, owner of Imperial Nutrition and a friend of the Moore family, said. “If I can help in any way I can, I want to.”
Anyone who orders the Tidal Wave tea will be helping the Moore family.
“It was really popular, so I decided to bring it back,” Lyons said.
Lyons said Jerica is a big supporter of her store and has been from the beginning, so she was more than happy to reach out and use her business to help the Moore family.
“Overwhelmed, but it's a good overwhelmed,” Jerica explained how she felt when Imperial Nutrition approached her. “I feel like you know we're not in this alone, is what I feel like.”
Jerica has already been raising funds on a gofundme page, dedicated to Daniel.
Jerica is also making and selling shirts to raise money for Daniel.
The shirts are $25 each, from small to extra-large, and $27 for larger sizes.
Then on Jan. 3, Spangles in Hutchinson will donate 20% of sales to the Moore family and 100% of donations from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Additionally, the Moore family’s motorcycle club, Deceived Souls, will be holding a fish fry fundraiser dinner on Jan. 7 at the Hutchinson-based clubhouse.
Plates are $14 with two sides and a drink.
The event will run from noon until food runs out.
Currently, the Moore family has raised nearly $6,000, but the entire ordeal they are facing has already cost them more than $50,000.
Jerica and Daniel Moore have a blended family with seven children — two are at home.
“One of those is actually our nephew that we are getting ready to adopt, within, I think, it's going to be the next three months,” Jerica said. “We're getting ready to adopt our nephew and this is happening.”
The Moore family is looking for a miracle.
“That's where I came up with #moorethanmiracles,” Jerica said. “I feel like that's what we need right now is a miracle.”
The Moore Family Day event is Dec. 30 at Imperial Nutrition, 2420 N. Main in Hutchinson.
Spangles has two locations in Hutchinson (4th and 30th avenues) for Night Out for Daniel Moore on Jan. 3.
The fish fry fundraiser dinner on Jan. 7 is at the Deceived Souls motorcycle clubhouse, 516 W. 5th Ave. Jerica’s shirts will be sold there.
Follow the Moore family by visiting the Moore than Miracles Facebook page. Links to Daniel’s gofundme and Jerica’s shirt website can be found there.
Jerica had a few words for other families in crisis.
“Cherish your time with your family, go spend time with your loved ones, and just don’t take things for granted because you just never know,” Jerica said.
The Moore family is hoping Daniel can get to the treatment center in Scottsdale, Arizona, within the next few weeks.
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