My name is Nicholas Blackwood, and I am in a place I never thought I'd be in life - asking for some assistance. 

We own a 5.5 acre small small/homestead.  Part of it wetlands that has a tendency to flood, but not damage the main house.  I work a good professional job and spend my free time repairing the property - there is always something in need of work due to inclement weather, the goats, etc. The work is exhausting, but satisfying. I've usually done more of the repairs and upgrades myself. 

However, October 3rd, everything changed.  I woke up from a minor abdominal surgery to remove a blackage in my small intestine.  What they discovered was Peritoneal Carcinomatosis, cancer of the abdominal lining affecting my intestines and stomach.  This means they were unable to reattach my intestine, and I am now learning to live with an ileostomy bag as well. 

I am beginning a rigorous course of discovery, education and treatment. The truth is, we don't even know if we've identified the extent of the damage - or where the cancer started. (so It could be stage 3 or stage 4). This is still a work in progress. 

I must admit, when this year started, this situation as not on my 2025 Bingo card = or anyone's bingo card - , but here we are. 

This diagnosis has changed my life and what I'm capable of doing and created a dual crisis: a battle for my health, and a struggle to maintain the homestead that my family and I reside on. I am starting this fundraiser to cover essential medical expenses not covered by insurance and Short Term Disability and to secure critical labor and repairs on our property that I will no longer be physically able to manage while going through treatment and recovery.

The money raised will be divided between two critical areas:

Medical Copays and Essential Needs:

• Covering my medical co-pays, deductibles, and other expenses related to further discovery and my treatment.
• While my income is not reduced (I have a good job with short term disability), my living expenses have increased significantly due to treatment, appointments and new medical necessities

Critical Homestead Repairs and Maintenance: 

The funds will primarily be used to hire local handymen and professional assistance to complete necessary repairs and ensure the property remains safe and functional while I am unable to perform physical labor. These tasks include:

• Water Damage and Structure Repair: Repairing a walkway and building that suffered significant water damage and structural issues due to flooding from a Hurricane
• Gate and Electrical Repair: Fixing essential entry gate mechanisms and electrical systems on the property that I am now physically restricted from working on.
• Carport Construction: Completing the concrete slab, frame, and cover for our carport to protect vehicles from the elements. (eventually, this will be a garage, but I just want assistance with the car covering)
• Livestock Housing Repair: Repairing and maintaining the goat pens and chicken coops to ensure the health and safety of our animals.
• Electrical Grid Upgrade for Safety: Updating the electrical grid to ensure the house has a reliable clean water supply from the generator during a power outage. 
• General Property Upkeep: Hiring help for ongoing maintenance like tree clearing, mowing, and other essential property maintenance.

My treatment is starting in October 2025 and the physical demands of these farm repairs are already beyond my current capacity. The structural repairs and the electrical upgrade for the water supply are more urgent. it would be amazing to secure these funds as quickly as possible—to ensure my recovery environment is safe and our homestead can continue to operate.

This homestead is more than just property; it is our foundation we call “Elysium Acres.”  it is a safe haven for friends and family and the home operation for my partners non-profit Two Copper Kindness.  Receiving this support means I can approach my medical battle with my mind fully focused on healing, not on the fear of our home and livelihood literally falling apart around us. It means I can focus on getting better and eventually getting back to the work I love. Every donation is a brick laid in the foundation of my recovery and a tool in the hands of the person helping to keep this place running.

I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful for any help you can provide. Whether you can donate $5, $50, or simply share this link with your network, your support provides not just financial relief, but the emotional strength I need to face this fight. Thank you for giving this farmer a hand during the toughest season of my life.

— Nicholas Blackwood