My name is Joel Gerstein. I am a member of the Chicago Jewish Community. In addition, I am an alumni of University of Maryland College Park.

On September 11th 2025, unfortunately I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Stomach (Gastric) Cancer and Esophagus Cancer.

I'm currently on Disability because of my severe illness, and this does not cover all my bills for Food, Medicine, Medical copayments, transportation and many other bills. As of September 21, 2026 my total medical costs for the cancer were greater than $2.6MM . Insurance covers a large portion of the total costs but the patient responsibility is very high. All help and support is appreciated.

To date I've survived 9 rounds of chemo therapy and 7 rounds of immunotherapy. The side effects of the chemo therapy were horrible. You have to be very very very strong and fight fight fight like a lion!!!!

In early March 2026, the surgeons removed 1/2 my stomach and 1/2 my esophagus. The big surgery lasted over 15 hours and I was sleeping for 6 days straight in a coma. I spent 15 days in the hospital and now I am resting at home trying to get stronger. I am fighting to survive every day. The surgical pain for removing half my stomach and half my esophagus continues until April 2027 and neuropathy is still enormous it feels like my hands and feet don't even work and it is one of the worst sensations in life!!! Medicine to treat is very very costly. Thank G-d I have some insurance...

I am going to fight this cancer like a lion!!!

My Hebrew name is Yoel Ari ben Merah Leah.

Thank you for reading this. I appreciate all the help and support!

Thank you again! I hope to dunk a basketball and hit 5 NBA three point shots by September 23, 2027. Please g-d left me live another year!!! Thank you!