"Undergoing CAR-T therapy..." Stage 4 Cancer at 23

Just like most people with cancer , I never thought I'd be fighting stage 3 lymphoma at 23, nor did I think I'd ever be one of those people who are relying on GoFundMe to financially support my medical bills and medical tools such as shower seats, walkers, clothing, food, and necessities.

My medical story begins with what I thought was the worst allergy season of my life. After several rounds of oral steroids I woke up to my face being fully swollen. I immediately went to urgent care and then the hospital from the ER, to the ICU, and than my actual diagnosis. I was labeled with Diffused Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma has since progressed from an assumed Stage 1, to a Stage 3 Lymphoma gaining liver issues along the way, due to one of the new masses on the pancreas and adding a gallbladder drain for my bilirubin levels.

Due to the nature of my journey, treatment, and the safety involved due to my illness, I had to leave my job. The public nature of my employment, direct interaction and direct handling of products did not provide a clean and safe environment.

Chemo (RCOP) was started and lasted for 6 sessions once a month along with 2 Pet-scans, After the second Pet-scan we noticed that I had swollen up again, and I gained two new masses, One mass on the side of my neck, and one tiny spot in the pancreas. It is due to the pancreatic heads involvement that the bile drain bag was placed. A stint was not and even still after this many chemo's RICE and a Radiation set directly to target the 2nd cancer mass, is not able to be placed. I am unable to withstand anthesis currently.

Up to speed? I am currently being treated at a University hospital in Chicago with an aggressive form of NEWER treatment plan. They took my T-Cells out of my body about 6 weeks ago. They were sent to Boston where they were Genetically Modified in a treatment called CAR-T. In a short form explanation they took my cells and added things to make them target my individual cancer and turn my t-cells into warrior cells that will do battle against the cancer by mimicking the cancer. Beautiful part I should not reject these donor cells because I am my own donor but modified into a warrior.

As a son I am asking to help myself and my parents who have stepped in, with the deductibles for 2025 and medical bills that are gathering. At one point I stopped breathing and was brought to the ER via ambulance. I saw that bill. $11,000 without the durable medical goods shopping list they used. I have lost income and will continue once I leave the hospital to have physical therapy and nursing staff coming to the house for many months after. Medical equipment has been purchased and will continue to be adjusted based on need. From seat walkers, commodes, proper equipment for home stamina building, wraps, braces, portable ice machines, clothing, lotions and creams even, this is not a cheap excursion even on the best of budgets.

"We would like to help as much as we are able. We are. This is not something that has been easy to financially take on. Any help would be needed and appreciated. To keep him our insurance 1/1/2025 our monthly expenses for the policy went up $300 for dependents. We are asking for help to cover some of his lost income, the added medical staff at home, the medical equipment and medical costs not covered by insurance." This is not something his parents can take on fully as his mother is disabled with her 6 of her own autoimmune and both parents are type 2 insulin pump users and diabetics.

Prayers for you if you read my story. Blessings for those that said a prayer or two. Appreciation to all others considering my needs. Thank you.