Support Kit through Cancer Treatment and Care

As some of you may know, Kit was given the diagnosis from two different medical teams that he has Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) last December. Hearing about Kit’s diagnosis is a shocking, frightening, and overwhelming experience for all of us. Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer worldwide, resulting in 2.2+ million+ mortalities each year.

NSCLC is an especially dangerous type of lung cancer: According to a National Cancer Institute (NCI) article, the all-stage combined 5-year relative survival rate for NSCLC is only about 26%. A Stage IV cancer diagnosis means that the cancer has spread to an organ or a part of the body away from the original tumor and requires immediate expert care. Like other cancer patients, Kit could also develop new and acute issues, either as a consequence of cancer illness or the treatment itself.

Since his initial diagnosis, Kit has been navigating through a lengthy, complex, and intensive treatment process, involving traveling to multiple inpatient and outpatient visits to medical facilities in Seattle and Chicago, including a new form of targeted cancer therapy, imaging, outpatient laboratories, and counseling. Our family is doing everything possible to ensure Kit receives the support he needs. We also want our Kit to be focused on treatment without the burden of worrying about the enormous cost of care.

Kit continues to impress us and has been a fighter. He has been following his career path as a professor at the Penn State University’s Center for Science and the Schools, bringing cutting-edge STEM research and technology into K-12 classrooms. In addition, Kit continues to enjoy his passion and creative pursuits using art, music, and technology! He prioritizes well-being and family time. We couldn’t be more proud of Kit.

If you are surprised by this fundraiser and would like to reach out to Kit, please keep in mind that the impact of cancer is far-reaching--cancer patients experience profound psychological, physical, and economic challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment. The experience is very difficult for the patient to share and discuss, especially repeatedly. It is critical to hold space for them with love and listen without judgment. We would love it if you check out this communication etiquette guide before you contact him: https://www.cancercenter.com/community/for-caregivers/cancer-etiquette

Donate NOW by clicking one of the two links below. With Kit’s awareness, we are reaching out to friends, family, and loved ones to ask for support. All donations are directly transferable to Kit. Our entire family greatly appreciates all donations for his current treatment and care. We also ask that you keep Kit and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you, again, for your incredible kindness and generosity during this challenging time:

Don’t forget to sign our online group card (using password ThankYou) at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/5AhtDkK0. Here are the tips for communication etiquette https://www.cancercenter.com/community/for-caregivers/cancer-etiquette

With Love,

Allison (Martin) Randal, Taylor Martin, Joseph Martin, Megan Martin, Daniel Martin, Jeffrey Martin, Lindsay (Martin) Deter-Wolf, Deborah Martin, and Yi Zhang