Support TSgt Marcum and His Family Through Cancer Treatment

Support a Brave Air Force TSGT and His Family Through Cancer Treatment

Hello, my name is Kim Orff and I am reaching out on behalf of my brother in law, Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Jacob Marcum of the United States Air Force, who is currently facing the battle of a lifetime: metastatic stomach cancer. Together with his incredible wife, Kristen Marcum, also a veteran, and their two beautiful children, they are facing this challenge with strength, resilience, and hope. But now, they need all the help they can get.

Unfortunately, in late November, Jake was diagnosed with a rare, complicated stomach cancer. This diagnosis has not only brought emotional and physical strain but also placed Kristen in a difficult situation, because they are stationed in Matthews, North Carolina for Jake's recruiting duty. This means, neither of them have family living nearby to provide direct support. We are taking turns flying from Maine to fill the gaps when we can.

Today, Jake was prepared for a gastrectomy as a hail-mary treatment to remove his tumor and present a chance of starting chemo at home. Unfortunately, the surgical team found his cancer has metastasized to his liver and he now will have to remain inpatient for projected months while we pray for the chemo to kill his cancer cells. Without the safety net of family to help, Kristen has been trying to get the kids to and from school, maintain some kind of normal for them, drive back and forth to the hospital twice a day to support Jake, juggle two GSP dogs, and is simply human and struggling to meet these demands alone. Kristen is facing the possibility of unpaid FMLA but NEEDS to be there for Jake and the kids. Overwhelmed probably wouldn't describe their experience - desperation maybe.

Why We Need Your Help

Out-of-pocket expenses on unexpected gas use, dog boarding/doggy daycare, and daily support expenses such as meals on the go are adding up -- and it's only getting worse as we now know Jake won't be coming home for a while.

How You Can Help

We are asking for donations to help ease the financial strain on their family. Your generous contributions will go directly to helping cover everyday living expenses, childcare, dog-care, travel, and any other costs that come with their journey toward recovery.

Even if you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with your friends, family, and social networks. Every share brings us one step closer to our goal.

Your support means the world to Jake, Kristen, Harrison and Nora. In times like this, it’s faith, love and humanity that help families get through the hardest battles. Thank you for considering helping this brave family, and for standing with them as they face cancer with the same courage and dedication they’ve always shown in their service to our country.

If you have made it this far; thank you. I want to take time to make a special and very important note on Faith. We believe God is great, that His plan is good, and he has the power to provide healing and a miracle. Please, whether or not you can financially donate, we ask you to join us storming the gates of heaven in prayer as we cling on to the words from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

We have seen God work through this circumstance from day one, and believe in His power to heal and restore. We thank you for your prayers and support as we walk with them through this challenging season.

With gratitude,

Kim Orff, on behalf of the Marcum Family