Gary Grimm Cancer Fund

On Monday June 19th, our friend, Gary Grimm, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized to his lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. As a result, he has undergone an aggressive chemotherapy treatment with the goal of reducing his tumors to a level that is safe for surgery. Gary is handling chemo like an absolute badass. He is taking care of himself, navigating healthcare bureaucracy, somehow updating everyone in between chemo sessions, and approaching it all with humor and hope. Although Gary has handled cancer treatment with inspiring persistence, it has been extremely challenging and it will become increasingly challenging. Each chemo session will likely come with worsening side effects, and he will need his community’s support to get well.

We are raising money to help Gary fully focus on his health during cancer treatment. There are many ways financial support can help make that possible. To start, Gary will have the ability to buy supplies related to his cancer recovery as they come up. Relying on others to fulfill those requests requires time, energy, and planning. Gary’s needs will likely change as his treatment plan evolves, so having flexible funds that he can use anytime will be immediately helpful.

Donations can also help Gary cover medical expenses, both expected and unexpected. In our goal, we’ve calculated the ability to cover Gary’s out-of-pocket max. We hope to have even more funds so he can explore options like surgery or clinical trials that may result in additional medical bills and travel expenses.

Lastly, we want Gary to have the ability to take time away from work during cancer treatment. Unbelievably, Gary is still working and he is unable to take any more PTO. He is looking at all options, but he won’t learn about his eligibility for SSDI or Long-Term Disability for several more months. For those following along with his journey, you know that chemotherapy has been grueling. Oftentimes, Gary’s days are consumed by painful side effects like nausea, testing safe foods to eat, trying to keep on weight, monitoring his physical exertion, and finding ways to nurse his spirit. The intention and energy it has taken for Gary to endure chemotherapy has become a full-time job, and right now it should be his only job. Gary deserves the best shot at recovery and this means having the ability to take time away from work without the worry of bills. We need Gary to commit 100% of his energy to beating cancer.

Thank you so much for your gifts. We know that remission is possible and community support will be crucial to Gary’s success in the coming months. To learn more about his diagnosis and for ongoing updates, please follow along at Gary’s Caring Bridge page.

With hope and gratitude,

Clara, Naya, Mike, Katie, Chass

(Gary and his loving partner, Naya)