Hi, my name is Stephanie Botticelli. On May 21st—the day after our second wedding anniversary—my wonderful, kind, and sweet husband Brian was diagnosed with colon cancer. It hit us out of nowhere, and just as we were beginning to process the news, doctors found something else concerning in his scans.

After weeks of scopes, biopsies, and tests, we received a second diagnosis on July 8th: Brian not only has colon cancer, but also a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer.

Two cancers.

We have a referral to the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion. Because Brian’s bladder cancer is rare and aggressive, his oncologist wants to confirm the best course of treatment. Tentatively, Brian will begin a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the next 2–3 weeks, pending confirmation from the Clinic.

Anyone who knows Brian knows he’s the most compassionate, funny, and big-hearted person you could meet. This diagnosis has turned our world upside down. He’s been out of work since May, and the bills—from specialists, procedures, scans, and medications—are already piling up. And we know this is only the beginning of the long road ahead.

We're asking for help. Donations will go directly toward:

Medical expenses

Treatments and medications

Daily living costs (keeping the lights on and the roof over our heads)

Support for both of us as I’ll need to miss more work to care for him

Brian left the North Shore almost seven years ago to come to Ohio and build a life with me. We’ve been together every day since. He’s my partner, my best friend, and the strongest person I know. Brian’s got Boston in his veins, he’s tough—and I have no doubt he’s going to kick cancer’s ass.

If you’re able to donate, please know that every single dollar truly makes a difference. If you can’t donate, we’d still be incredibly grateful if you could share this or leave a message of support for Brian. Just knowing people are thinking of him lifts his spirits.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

With love,

Stephanie