Cancer Costs Are No Mystery

If you know me, you probably know me as the face of Do or Die Mysteries, or a teaching artist for the Anne Arundel County Apex Arts Program, or maybe as the author of Poe's Last Stanza.

After over three decades of running a murder mystery theatre company, I suddenly find myself in my own mystery. The twist? Stage I lung cancer. The villain? A tumor I’ve named Sauron.

The good news: my doctors believe SBRT radiation can cure this. It’s targeted, effective, and far gentler than the brutal surgery from which my mother never recovered.

The bad news: even with insurance, treatment is expensive. Between deductibles, co-insurance, all the hidden costs that aren’t covered by insurance, follow-up scans, a possible biopsy of a second nodule (nicknamed “Saruman”), and loss of income due to recovery, the projected out-of-pocket costs over the next year and a half total over $45,000.

The hard part is asking for help.

I’m usually the one who fixes problems, not the one who is the problem. Asking for care when I’ve always been the caregiver is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But, if I’m going to beat Sauron at his own game, I know that I will need help.

I’m setting this campaign’s goal at $30,000 — not to erase every cost, but to make this road survivable without drowning in debt. Also, being realistic, not everyone survives the cancer journey. I do not want my memory and legacy to be unpaid debt.

Your support will go directly toward:

• Radiation treatment

• Follow-up scans and appointments

• Medications and therapies

If treatment works (and the odds are excellent), I’ve promised myself to keep creating shows, mentoring students as a teaching artist, and spreading joy — daily, defiantly, and inappropriately, if necessary.

If you’ve ever laughed at a Do or Die Mystery show, been moved by a story, or found connection through my shows, classes, or friendship, please consider helping me now.

Every donation, big or small, is a huge help. If you are not in a position to donate, but would still like to help, please consider sharing this with others.

With love, humor, and more gratitude than I can put into words —

CJ Crowe

Do or Die Mysteries