Help Tim's Battle with Cancer

Hello,

My name is Tracy Lynn, my daughter is Danielle Prince.

We were sitting outside a few nights ago and I read a Facebook post from my friend Tim Rooney. He had posted on Facebook regarding his current health condition and situation in life while recently being diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.

My daughter and I both felt moved by his post and compelled to do something to try and support Tim in a way that was significant to him.

Tim shared with me that he was recently diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in his nasal cavities known as NASOPHARYNGEAL. Oddly, this type of cancer is most commonly found in specific regions of China - Tim has never even been to China! At this point, the main mass is in his Nasal cavity but has spread to 4 lymph nodes in his neck. The main mass is too close to the brain to remove surgically. Although radiation is an option for treatment, Tim has chosen not to go that route right away as he feels the side effects from the treatment could easily exacerbate his other health vulnerabilities as a result of diabetes where he has already suffered a right foot amputation. He also suffers from several other health issues such as COPD, Asthma, PAD, a stroke in 2011, and PPPD. Tim is 62 years old, 5'10" and weighs only 145 lbs (66 Kilos). He cannot afford to lose any more weight. He gets by with his Service Dog, Dharma. Tim is choosing quality of life over quantity of life, for now as radiation treatment will lead to loss of sight, loss of speech, the ability to create saliva, his taste buds and a huge loss of weight!

So, if Tim has opted out of treatment for now, what will he do with the money raised? We all know that a little extra cash in the bank account can alleviate a lot of stress. It can be the difference between eating healthy, having secure housing, being socially engaged...all the things we all need and are deserving of...but these are all things that may become increasingly difficult for Tim to access as his cancer progresses. A few extra dollars can be used to visit friends, go camping, revisit meaningful places...check a few things off of his bucket list, spend more quality time with his dog as they have never been separated in 4.5 years. Tim is actually more concerned with the feelings of his dog after he is gone. 

Tim is an Engineer however was taken out of the workforce 9 years ago as his diabetes got out of control leading to the foot amputation and his other health issues and now survives on a disability income via social Services. He is also a Guitar Tech and continues to work on instruments and would sincerely like to continue to enjoy good times with his friends and service dog Dharma. Tim has no family and is reaching out for our support. Let's give Tim an opportunity to live the quality of life he deserves.

What Danielle and I heard loud and clear from Tim’s post was that he needed support in accessing some options as he’s learning to navigate his life and living with his cancer diagnosis. What we felt we could do for Tim in response to his Facebook post, is start this GoFundMe campaign. What can you do?

Our expectation is not that people make enormous donations that will result in homes having to be remortgaged or credit cards being overdrawn or even anything that would cause a little pinch in the pocketbook. Quite the contrary.

What we ask is that you consider donating whatever you can afford as well as the value of your thoughts and prayers and well wishes. Or the value of the coffee or lunch you would buy to support a friend. Some people might feel more comfortable buying a tank of gas or paying a month’s rent. Your donations will help do just that. Is there something you can do for Tim?

Tim has been in the Comox Valley since 1979. He’s given guitar lessons for free, he's responded to the needs of others and performed at fundraisers but has also set up fundraisers for others. He has worked globally and has always helped the less fortunate in other second and third-world countries such as the Father Ray Foundation for the poor, the blind, the homeless and the orphans.

Tim has literally donated tens of thousands of dollars when he was able. You might have seen him busking and playing at jams around the Comox Valley or elsewhere. Tim’s worked on our guitars and always has a word of encouragement. He’s given his time and supported his friends, was engaged in and loves the music community. 

Tim needs your support now.

Making a donation can help Tim in many ways...we would like to see Tim have the ability to use these funds according to what he determines will best facilitate what he needs to live with cancer. This may change day to day. Can you support that?

Please support Tim as he battles cancer. Please make a donation today.