Support for My Parents During a Challenging Time

In April 2010, my father was diagnosed with appendix cancer, a rare disease with limited research funding and few surgeons experienced in its treatment. The required surgery is extensive, involving a 14” incision down the entire abdomen to remove cancerous tumors, mucin, and affected organs. Afterward, heated chemotherapy (107°F) is circulated in the abdomen for up to 90 minutes to target remaining cancer cells. At 73, my dad has endured this grueling procedure three times since his diagnosis.

On July 28, 2025, he underwent a 12-hour surgery at Mayo Clinic, which initially seemed successful. However, complications started the next day, and have continued over nearly 3 weeks in the hospital. Fluid buildup around his lungs required drainage and a chest tube. He experienced vomiting, chills, and a high fever for days, necessitating an NG tube through his nose to his stomach. A CT scan revealed infected fluid in his abdomen, leading to another drain and a PICC line for antibiotics. He was restricted to minimal ice chips and fed through a tube. On the night of the 13th, his heart went into AFIB, with his pulse spiking into the 170s, prompting a transfer to the ICU on the cardiology floor. What was expected to be an 8-day hospital stay has now extended to 17 days, with no truly good days—just some less difficult than others.

We hope he stabilizes soon and can be discharged in the coming week. However, he’ll require a transitional care facility equipped to manage his specialized feeding tube, a level of care not widely available. He won’t be able to return home for at least a month, likely longer, and will need transportation to follow-up hospital visits, costing up to $250 each way depending on the facility’s location and vehicle requirements.

Adding to the challenge, my mother suffered a stroke over a year ago, and my father has been her primary caregiver at home. With him unable to care for her, we need to hire in-home assistance, estimated at $800 per week.

After three weeks of being in town to support them, I must return to Arizona. We’re seeking help to cover transportation and in-home care costs for the next 3-4 months, allowing my dad to focus on recovery, my mom to get the care she needs each week, and without depleting their limited retirement savings.

All funds raised will go directly toward transportation for my father’s medical appointments and in-home assistance for my mother. Thank you for any support you can provide during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

The Isaac Family