for seven weeks and chemotherapy every Tuesday for seven weeks .
“ For six months I couldn ’ t talk ,” he said . “ I spent five to six months on a feeding tube . I didn ’ t have food for five months , and I had to learn to eat and swallow again , but that was the best part because I got to eat .
“ I lost about 64 pounds , and my wife had to quit her job to take care of me ,” he said , adding , “ They said I was supposed to die , but God guided me all the way through it .”
In addition to his faith , Gouard was buoyed by the outpouring of support from the community . He has an active Facebook page where he posts videos and photos of his food and family that is followed by more than 6,000 people . Tywon kept her husband ’ s followers updated on his health via social media .
“ I played videos for him when he couldn ’ t talk and that gave him the inspiration and the support and helped him and lifted his spirits ,” she said . “ We couldn ’ t have done it without the support of the community and the surrounding communities .”
Gouard continues to face health issues and now is battling lung cancer , explaining that the throat cancer had metastasized and spread to his lungs .
But he is hopeful that a new medication and his barbecue business will keep him going for a long time to come . Gouard also has assistance from Brad Hulke who has helped him run the business for the last 15 years .
“ In April , the doctor asked
Steve and Phyllis Guettler of Clearwater , Fla ., look at the Bud ' s BBQ menu .
Bud ' s BBQ is set up between 11 a . m . and 6 p . m . most Fridays and Saturdays in the northeast corner of Big Lots ' parking lot on Gilbert Street , Danville .
SPRING 2023 | ILLIANA MAGAZINE
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