Bistany's Battle

Hi everyone.

My name is Ed Burke. If you are reading this you most likely know me and you know my best friend for over thirty-five (35) years, Chris Bistany. As most of you may have heard, Chris is in a battle for his life against a cancer that survived the first round against Chris and his team at Massachusetts General Hospital. Chris's determination has not been shaken and he is aware this is going to be more of a distance match that will require his constant focus, discipline, and stamina, all which are traits he does possess. My strategy, and that of many others joining in this cause, is for Chris to not be distracted by the financial burdens that accompany a fight with cancer. We refuse to allow his focus to be drawn to anything other this life-threatening journey through treatment.

To update you all, Chris had felt pain and, presuming he had herniated a disc, began his requests for an MRI to scan his lower back that were repeatedly denied by his insurance carrier. Once finally performed, they spotted an edge of something else lower in his back. The second MRI located a softball-size cancerous mass at the base of his spine. Attempts to remove this as you can imagine would warrant two if not three surgeries and too many other numerous risks and damage to his body to mention. He has since reached his limit with radiation and the first chemo-therapy treatment was not as effective as we had hoped. He has had a recent ablation procedure performed and an upcoming lung surgery is scheduled for March 5th. These procedures are due to the cancer moving to his lungs. Chris has begun a newer, more potent form of chemotherapy, which is followed by regular scans to determine its effectiveness. Although he has health insurance, the co-pays and out of pocket expenses have soared with no immediate end in sight. This stronger medication is also expected to eventually limit his ability to work.

Chris's large support system have planned a fundraiser to be held on March 30th, 2024, at The Relief's In located in Lawrence, MA.

I am reaching out because I know first-hand that Chris has had the pleasure of touching the lives of many people through mutual friends, who now live out of the area and may not have been made aware of this fundraiser or cannot attend. If anyone falls into that category and would like to make a small donation to support Chris financially in this battle it is greatly appreciated. As times are financially challenging for many people these days, Chris asks that you please do not donate if it causes you or anyone close to you to feel any type of financial pressure as a result.

Chris was never one to back down from a challenge and he certainly has no intention to do so now. Any kind words of encouragement are always welcome as well. Thank you for taking the time to read this and we all hope to see you on March 30th if you are able to attend.

I hope this finds all of you well.

Cheers, Ed.

Hi everyone.

Just posting this update to thank all those, too many to list, that have joined Bistany's Battle in ways of monetary donations, prizes for the upcoming fundraiser, kind words of support, and prayer for Chris's fight and victory. All of these selfless and generous contributions have made it clear to him that he is not alone. That feeling has given him an immediate increase in strength and stamina which is exactly what is needed. No retreat, no surrender.

On March 8th I picked up Chris from his March 5th surgery. His highly regarded surgeon, which I previously had the pleasure of meeting, did a phenomenal job. Not only did he remove the spot near Chris's heart that was targeted, but the surgeon also noticed an area that was not seen with the prior scan and removed that as well. Chris recovered quickly from this procedure with few issues and is now returning to the more powerful chemotherapy that he briefly suspended for that surgery.

Saturday, March 30th is only days away where we expect an outpouring of friends and family to wish Chris well and enjoy some live music, prizes, and laughs. You are all invited to join us:

THE RELIEF'S IN

1 MARKET STREET

LAWRENCE, MA

SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2024

6PM - 11PM

Chris and everyone on his team understands the some of you either have prior commitments or live out of the area. Kind thoughts and prayers are always well received.

To all of you we send our deepest gratitude for all the support. Chris's heart is filled knowing so many are behind him.

Cheers and Thanks. Ed.