This is our journey of our father, the strongest man you will ever meet in your entire life, Jacques Begin. Dad was diagnosed
with stage 4 colon rectal cancer in late 2015. At first he had infusion chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumor that had developed. Then came the first of many surgeries that left him with life altering changes. It left him scared and emotionally drained. With the love and support of our mother, family, and extended close friends he was able to come to terms with these changes. Dad then began his battle again. 

One month into Jacques's recovery we lost our grandfather, Donald McCormick. He passed away on April 27th 2016. Dad did not even have his strength back to properly mourn his passing. Right away he started more infusion chemotherapy and radiation. After 6 months of this we were blessed when his scans looked good all except one small tumor located next to his Aorta. It was then time for a chemo and radiation break. 

During this three month break our father continued to feel worse. The treatments took a toll on his body but he got up early every morning and went to a job he loved to continue to support his family. Work has been a distraction for him but recently it has been more difficult for him due to increased pain associated with the cancer but he enjoys it because it brings a sense of normalcy to his lifestyle. Also during this time our dad took a much needed trip with his brother to Canada to see family. Upon dad's return he had chills and body aches. He had blood work done and scans and they saw nothing on his scans. So he continued to fight thinking it was just side effects from treatment. 

Then one day came and mom and dad were at the store. Dad started to shake. Mom rushed him to the doctor where he was sent to the hospital. Dad had developed an infection in his stomach. They operated and removed a mesh lining he had from a previous surgery years ago. They discovered it was completely infected. And the fear was out of control. Then this calmness came over all of us. We knew we had to fight. Fear was not an option. The phrase “we got this” became our thing. And on that Saturday morning they took him up for his second surgery. 12 hours later the doctor came up to our mother “It’s going to be touch and go the next few days.” Our dad had a life-threatening infection and had an open stomach. It had to heal open and close. It looked terrifying, but our father was brave. They removed 18 more inches of his colon. The pain this man was in would bring anyone to tears. He spent 30 days in the hospital. He fought for his life once again. Jacques's battle of the past 6 years has brought us to this point today. 

The Doctors told us shortly after that the tumor he has next to his Aorta is inoperable. After many consultations the tumor is too close and they can not remove it. Dad has had many, many more rounds of infusions, oral chemo etc. He is currently on a new treatment called Avastin. The cancer has spread to his bones last month and dad had spinal surgery and a broken L2 and L3 were cemented back together to stop the pain. On March 2nd after weeks of pain we were told he has a broken L4 in his spine. The broken bone is pressing on a nerve which is causing extreme pain. We are waiting for more surgery. The cancer has spread to his lungs as well. The cancer is eating away at his bones, causing so much pain for him it’s unbearable for him to work. 

In the last 6 year battle Jacques lost his previous job due to the company closing. And started a new job with logistics one. Upon doing so he was no longer able to purchase short term or long term disability due to pre-existing condition laws. Which has just left him with New York States disability and that is just the bare minimum to get by. 

We understand that times are hard right now. Our dad is a very proud man. We originally wanted to do a fundraiser in his name but with Covid and restrictions we want everyone to be safe. We are asking for help to assist with copayment costs and pain medication assistance while our father is unable to work. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and will continue to update you as much as possible. 

With so much love, 

Jason & Joshua