Hi, my name is Derek Hollobaugh and in 2019, I started Hollobaugh's Holiday Helper to help a family member, friend, or organization as an attempt to bring hope and joy to the holidays to those who may be in need. This is year 7 and so far, we've raised just over $8200! I usually start this in the middle of December but I'm a little late this year so let's get this thing moving!

This year I've set up this GoFundMe for my cousin-in-law, Jack Misny. Take a seat and grab a cup of coffee or tea, a beer, or a nice pour of bourbon and let me share their story with you.

As a child, Jack battled Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma (COS), an aggressive bone cancer, losing his right leg and hip in the process. He showed incredible strength, resilience, and determination and learned to live with his new reality, found confidence through swimming in high school, and had the same great sense of humor we all know and love today.

In 2016, he was eating peanuts at a local bar when a woman approached him and asked if she could share his snack. That woman was my cousin, Meg. Jack said yes and they would end up falling in love and getting married in October of 2022. Ah, the ol' eating peanuts at a bar to pick up a lady move. Nice work, Jack! The picture attached is me with them at their beautiful wedding.

After exploring different career paths, Jack found his true calling as an Air Traffic Controller. He passed the Academy and was offered a position to continue his training over 1,400 miles away in Lubbock, Texas.

Jack and Meg dreamed of becoming parents but feared Jack's childhood chemotherapy may interfere with their ability to conceive. Against the odds, in 2024, Meg became pregnant and little chubby-cheeked Teddy was born in March of 2025.

Just as they were settling into their new life as a family of three, Jack began feeling a familiar but unsettling pain. What he thought might be phantom pain from his amputation turned out to be something far worse. Jack had been diagnosed with Sarcoma once again, over two decades after beating cancer the first time. Now Jack has to face this cruel reality again - this time as a husband and father.

Jack, Meg, and Teddy moved back to Ohio recently, closer to both families and the Cleveland Clinic for additional care.

Sadly, this story gets even more difficult to stomach. Jack tested positive for the rare TP53 genetic mutation (Li-Fraumeni syndrome) which explains why he's faced two unrelated cancers. Teddy has also tested positive for this genetic mutation which means little Teddy now has a 100% lifetime chance of developing cancer. Because of this, Teddy must begin regular full-body MRIs, colonoscopies, ultrasounds, and other screenings right away for the rest of his life. This will become his new normal.

I’ve created this fundraiser to help ease the overwhelming burden of medical bills and living expenses for Jack, Meg, and baby Teddy during the hardest chapter of their lives. Any amount you can give will make a real difference. And if you're unable to contribute financially, a simple share can go a long way in spreading the word and showing support.

I love you guys! HHH Year 7, let's do this.