The former executive director of Camp Arnes has been diagnosed with incurable cancer. 

Last fall, William Wear was dealing with what he thought was strep throat or tonsilitis. After several tests, it was determined that Wear had two forms of blood cancer, chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) and small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL).

"They're both incurable," said his daughter, Robyn Wear. "My dad's cancer is something that he'll always live with, but it can be managed."

The family says that cancer was always on the back of their mind, but when they got the actual diagnosis, it was devastating. 

"I just gave birth to my son, who's now five months old," said Robyn. "You know you always hear about it, and you never expect it to be kind of taking over your life. We were overwhelmed."

Although life was flipped upside down for the Wear family, Robyn says her dad remains positive. 

"My dad was so quick to not, I guess, maybe roll over and just say, you know what, this is it," said Robyn. "He was like 'Oh, this is just another hurdle God's thrown our way and he's working. He is going to be with us through this.'"

William

She says her dad's energy and positivity have been a pillar for the entire family. 

"You know, we're supposed to be that pillar of strength for him, but he's still showing us time and time again that he's the type of man he is and always has been."

William is currently undergoing intense treatment 6-8 hours for a few days a week, for at least six months. Robyn says they could use lots of prayer as they face the road ahead. 

"We could use prayer for my dad to continue to be that positive light. Because I know that's what's going to keep him going."

William

In the meantime, William has had to take time off work for treatment. His wife has also had to step back from work to help William. 

To help, his family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for gas, parking and all of the other costs that come with this new diagnosis. 

"It is our wish that through the support of our community, we can ease this burden so dad can worry less and spend more time healing," said Robyn. "I really don't want his light to dim."

With treatment, Robyn says the family is hopeful William could be in remission for about four to seven years before he has to start another round.