Hello, my name is Paul Pinksten. I have been diagnosed with throat/neck cancer recently which has caused great stress and shock. I was told by the doctors to start radiation and chemo therapy immediately which forced me to give my notice to my employer,

The Sugar Shack, where I am a chef for a small family owed restaurant which is supported by many locals of the Bethel Maine area where I have lived for the last 15 years. I am a very active person who loves to ski, golf and ride 4 wheelers to enjoy the maine outdoors which is what bought me to this area.

I have no family here in Maine except for a close circle of great friends who I love dearly. The emotional and financial burden has me worried not only about my future but about how I will make it through these challenging times. I have accumulated almost $10,000 in hospital bills already prior to starting treatments that is not covered by my insurance and that number will probably more than double by the end of this ordeal. I still have my monthly financial obligations plus the extra gas money to get to and from my appointments. My food expenses for myself and my lovely support dog Jager and cat Mojo will be escalated due to the required feeding tube that they will be putting in when they put in my chemo port. I have 35 radiation and 7 chemotherapy treatments planned in the next 2 months going everyday Monday-Friday. I am definitely not the type of person to ever ask for help from anyone BUT, I need help to get thru the next 3-4 months. I know it's a tight time of the year with Christmas coming up but any help would be appreciated greatly. I am keeping a positive attitude thru this time to attack this challenge with everything I have and hopefully come out healthy enough to get back on the golf course next summer with the friends I love. God willing, it will happen. I just want to say thank you from all my heart to anyone who donates to my cause and God bless and I appreciate you all.