Fundraiser for Ernie & Michelle Stanhope
Note that although Live Like Locals is coordinating this event, we will NOT be collecting fees or donations on behalf of the Stanhopes.
We know first hand the toll a cancer diagnosis can have on the entire family and are waiving our fees. Every dollar raised will go directly to the Stanhopes.
Please read carefully as we will instruct you on how to pay the family directly to participate.
But first…
A Routine Checkup Turned Life Upside Down
In February, Ernie went in for his annual checkup. He had been feeling some pain in his lower right side and noticed unusual bowel movements. We thought it might be something minor—but wanted to get it checked out. His primary doctor was concerned and ordered blood work. He also mentioned an MRI for Ernie’s lower back, but wanted to wait on that until the lab results came in. In a span of three short days, our world was turned upside down.
Wendesday, the doctor called with the results from the blood work; Ernie’s liver enzymes were extremely elevated. It was serious. He recommended a CT scan immediately. Thursday, we got the CT scan. Friday, at 9:00 AM, we got the call no one ever wants to receive. Ernie’s primary doctor told me, “It’s cancer.” He urged us to contact both a surgeon and an oncologist—right away.
The Following Week: Reality Hits Hard
The surgeon looked at both of us and said words that hit like a tidal wave: “The cancer is in multiple places; Ernie’s rectum, liver, and lungs. It’s stage 4.”
Our world stopped. Cancer in three places. He’s so young. He felt relatively fine. It was just a little back pain. We have three beautiful kids. We’re an active family. He recently had bloodwork and it was fine. How are we at stage 4? How was this not detected earlier. So many questions and fears surfaced. It’s Ernie. He’s our rock.
Our weekends used to be filled with joy—traveling for softball tournaments with our daughter and outings with our son. Now, our focus is on Ernie and his health. We’re coming to terms with the diagnosis and are now in the fight of our lives.
Treatments
First, comes the port. He breezed through surgery and now has a little knob in his chest that nurses access to administer his chemo.
And now chemotherapy. He’s now had five treatments so far. Each week, he goes to the cancer center on Wednesdays for four hours for an infusion. When he comes home, he’s connected to a chemo pump for another 48 hours. We then have to retun to the hospital to have the pump disconnected. These appointments and the subsequent fatigue and sickness has prevented Ernie from keeping his full-time job. He went from working full-time at a job he loved to being placed on disability.
You can imagine the financial impact that this has had on our family. Financially, it’s been hard! I’ve missed so much work because of the amount of appointments of Ernie’s treatment schedule and we have a long way to go. I’m trying to balance it all and as humbling as this is to say… I need help.
You Know Ernie
He’s still smiling. He walks into each treatment with a smile. He leaves with a smile. He believes deeply that God is walking this journey with him. His faith has only grown stronger. His attitude, his strength, his peace—they’re unshakable!
This has changed our lives in every way. There are days full of fear and days full of hope. We’ve cried, we’ve prayed, and we’ve leaned on each other like never before.
Through all of it, we trust in God’s plan.
We believe Ernie will be healed—he’s the strongest person we know. I also know that we serve a mighty and merciful God.
We’re holding onto hope. We’re holding onto each other. And most of all, we’re holding onto Him.
Attention Vehicle Owners, Food Trucks & Vendors
EVERYONE must register in advance to participate! CARS – you will NOT be able to register day of. Please register your car below.
Food Truck Vendors: We limit the # of same or similar food styles. If your category is full and you’d still like to support the Stanhope family, please scroll a bit and you’ll see how to make a donation. The BBQ category is full.
Register to Participate
Fill out the form below to register your car, to bring your food truck or to be a vendor.
Note that payment is being processed directly to the Stanhope Family Paypal account.
Vendor Info.
Setup: 8:00AM – 9:30AM.
All vendors, cars, food trucks, etc. must be in place by 9:30AM. There will be no vehicle entry into the event site after 9:30AM – please be on time or you will forfeit your spot – no exceptions! Safety first. Safety always.
Booth Requirements:
Tents: 10×10 tents are required (nothing larger).
Weights: 25lb. weights per leg or industrial stakes – not the cheapies that come with the tent. Here’s what we use (https://amzn.to/3GYiK1e). We will have a power drill onsite if you need it.
It’s going to be a hot day!
Vendors, please bring battery operated or solar fans and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Make a Donation to the Stanhope Family
You can make a donation to the family via cashapp or venmo. Information for their accounts is below.
Donate a Raffle Item or Volunteer
If you’d like to donate an item or volunteer at the event, please reach out to Ammie directly.
Email: ammie@livelikelocals.tv
Text or Call Ammie: 443.306.5150
Donations of any size are welcome.
Text or Call Ammie to coordinate pick-up/drop-off.
Volunteer hour are between 8AM – 3:30PM.
Activities, set-up, sign-in table, kid zone, clean-up & poster delivery.
Thank You!
Whether you’re showing off your hot rod, feeding attendees from your food truck, volunteering or you just plan to come to see some cool cars,
our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts!!
We know that this cancer journey is just beginning for us. There is so much more ahead physically, emotionally and financially. This car show is a one day event. We have months and potentially years of this battle ahead of us. We will be spending more time at home as the side effects from chemo progress. Even though we may be home more, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to see our friends and family. We’d love to have dinner with you, we may just need you to make it and bring it to us. Come over and let’s fold laundry together and talk. Our friendships and fellowship may look a little different for awhile but please know that your ongoing support is very much needed and appreciated.