LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) -A local man's journey from military service to a cancer diagnosis has brought his community together to support him through one of the toughest battles of his life.

Eric Spratley, a former Army scout and firefighter, was in the process of training for the Coast Guard in 2024 when everything changed. Just 48 hours into boot camp, Spratley was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer.

"It was surreal, I thought maybe I had a hernia or a groin injury," Spratley said.

The diagnosis led to him being honorably discharged, leaving him with no insurance and the need for ongoing treatment.

"They took a look, and they shipped me to a local civilian ER to get ultrasounds and it was in the emergency room that they actual told me it was tumor."

Spratley, who had moved to Lubbock with his wife and daughter, is now in his second round of chemotherapy.

"Chemotherapy feels like you're melting all the time," Spratley said.

With the loss of income and no nearby family to help, Spratley and his wife are relying on a GoFundMe to cover medical bills, co-pays, and everyday expenses.

"It's been hard to learn how to take a step back, allow myself to rest. It's still part of you that always wants to be super dad and wants to be out there playing and doing all the fun dad stuff. "

Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful.

He plans to become a trauma nurse once his treatment is complete, wanting to give back and help others who are facing their hardest days.

For those interested in contributing, can find the link to the GoFundMe here.