<div><strong>Against All Odds: Joe Roy's Battle Against Rare and Aggressive Cancer. </strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are asking for your help and support for Joe Roy, a devoted husband of 17 years to his wife Helen, dedicated father to three wonderful daughters; Jules (16), Louise (10), and Johanna (6), cherished brother, and beloved friend to many.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Joe turned 40 on June 29th, celebrating with friends and family in Chicago. Just days later, on July 4th, he went to the ER with abdominal pain and was admitted for further workup. By Wednesday, July 9th, Joe received a devastating diagnosis: <strong>Stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer, specifically high-grade poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (HGNEC).</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>HGNEC is a rare cancer, accounting for less than 1% of colorectal cancers. Due to its  aggressive nature, Joe’s oncology team urged him to start treatment immediately. Two days after diagnosis, Joe started the first cycle of his rigorous chemotherapy regimen. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Joe’s oncology team explained that HGNEC may not respond to conventional chemotherapy and can carry a poor prognosis, however, the possibility of enrollment in a clinical trial could give Joe hope to beat the odds and spend more time with his precious family.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Joe and Helen married young, moved to Chicago with baby Jules, and built a full life of friendships, education, career, and welcomed Louise to the brood. Eventually, they returned to Joe’s hometown of Fort Wayne, completed their family with Johanna, and settled in - surrounded by the love and support of his hometown family and friends. Through every season - career shifts, COVID, homeschooling - Joe and Helen have stayed strong and grounded in love. Joe’s passion for teaching his daughters, especially as he embraced homeschooling, shines in everything he does. He’s a devoted father, beloved friend, and loyal brother. As Joe now faces a serious health challenge, we’re asking for help, so he can continue caring for his beautiful family while focusing on healing.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why Your Support Matters</strong>
</div>
<div><strong>﻿</strong>
</div>
<div>We are humbly asking for donations to help Joe and his family during this extraordinarily difficult time. As the Roys grapple with this unimaginable diagnosis, steep financial considerations have presented themselves:
</div>
<ul>
<li>COBRA costs: $2600 per month
</li>
<li>Out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance
</li>
<li>Childcare during cancer treatment
</li>
<li>Meals, bills, and daily household expenses
</li>
<li>Travel and lodging at specialized cancer centers upon enrollment in a clinical trial
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Every contribution, no matter how small, brings hope and stability to Joe and his family in this crisis.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Even if you can’t donate right now, please share this page with your community, friends, or on social media. Every share expands our reach and increases Joe’s chances of getting the support he needs.
</div>

Anonymous

Joni (Comer) Irwin

Against All Odds: Joe Roy's Battle Against Rare Cancer

Still $108,840 to go. Help us build momentum.