<div>This fundraiser will provide relief as I pursue ongoing stage 4 cancer treatment and transition toward life-long care. Read below for more information and check out my <a href="https://www.mikehooves.ca/comic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> for further updates.
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<div><strong>Hello!</strong>
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<div>My name is Mike Hooves. You might know me as Mx Jendr on stage. In September 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer. I am devastated to announce that in February 2026 I was informed that my outlook has worsened; stage 4.
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<div><strong>New Diagnosis</strong>
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<div>I received an ultrasound in February 2026 after experiencing persistent and worsening upper abdominal pain that left me in urgent care. My family's history of gallbladder issues led me to believe this may have been the cause—not the case, as my ultrasound showed suspicious lesions. Things moved quickly from there. I received an MRI, CAT scan, and bone scan. A liver biopsy was performed, which led to major healing complications, including endless blood draws and hospital visits, as well as being assigned a new oncologist.
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<div>These tests discovered innumerable instances of metastasis in my liver and throughout my upper skeleton. My liver swelled from 12cm to 16cm, causing a great deal of abdominal pain and affecting my ability to eat. My bones (particularly my hips, ribs, and spine) are so full of cancer that I fractured a rib attempting to lift a water bottle. This too causes pain and I require the use of a cane to walk.
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<div><strong>Treatment</strong>
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<div>I started an oral chemotherapy regimen on March 22, 2026, and will begin receiving bisphosphonate therapy and a more aggressive form of endocrine therapy at a later date. Much of this will occur at the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre in Calgary.
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<div>These treatments are life-long. If these medications work, I must stay on them or risk being killed by my cancer. Stage 4 means there is no end in sight; it is a stage designed to prolong life. I will live with the side effects of my medications and cancer treatment until I die.
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<div><strong>Life</strong>
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<div>I presently have a lowered quality of life. I am consistently nauseated and I struggle to eat. Even the slightest movement causes pain, and I require support from my caregiver and cane. Cancer is taking an immense toll on my mental health. This disease and the life-long treatment associated with it are affecting my overall ability to function; it is scary, sad, and lonely.
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<div>Stage 4 cancer has left me bedridden due to nausea, pain, and fatigue. At this point in my treatment, even short walks and household chores are extremely draining—not to mention my bones are presently very fragile. Things I normally love, including spending time outside, as well as socializing with friends and family are oftentimes difficult, and sometimes impossible. I am experiencing a profound loss of identity, as I struggle to engage in art, community, and performance. I hope I can return to this, but for now it is important that I prioritize rest.
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<div>Additionally, stage 4 cancer is strongly affecting my wife, Bryce. She dedicates herself to taking care of my needs at the cost of her own, and it's clear that my physical health weighs heavily on her own mental wellbeing. I want to highlight that throughout this struggle that her needs are oftentimes secondary to my own as she communicates the details of my diagnosis and overall health with others. Please tend to her and keep her in your thoughts as a human who also needs attention, reassurance, and care in this process.
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<div><strong>Income</strong>
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<div>It is clear that I will need to leave my job and freelance practice to focus on my health—something I will be required to do in short order. I will be pursuing AISH, however this requires me to complete my taxes which (I am embarrassed to say) I have not prioritized since my first instance of cancer.
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<div>Bryce no longer holds an office job and prioritizes flexible working hours as she takes care of my physical health, and her own mental wellbeing. Together, our finances are not in a place where we can sit quietly and determine our next steps in a peaceful manner. Rent, bills, groceries, as well the debt we accrued during my last cancer treatment are waiting in the wings as our accounts dwindle.
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<div><strong>What We Need Help With</strong>
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<div>We hope to cover the following costs over the next four months:
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<li>Food: Bryce and I have differing needs as I presently have a smaller appetite and a more limited diet
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<li>Medication: specifically over-the-counter medicine that is not covered by insurance
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<li>Therapy
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<li>Rent: Our rent has been raised twice since my first cancer diagnosis
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<li>Bills: Phone, internet, insurance (vehicle, tenant)
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<li>Car: Gas, repairs, medical parking
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<li>Taxes: I will need to hire a professional to complete our taxes
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<li>Debt Repayment: We live with medical debt. Any additional funds will go towards paying this off and preventing further accruals.
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<div>We were blown away by your generosity last time and we are grateful for anything you can spare.
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<div><strong>If You Can't Give, That's Ok!</strong>
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<div>If you aren't able to contribute money, sharing this page is a huge act of support for us. Kind words are very welcomed.
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<div>For updates on my cancer journey please follow my <a href="https://www.mikehooves.ca/comic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.
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<div>Thanks again! - Mike &amp; Bryce
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Mike Does Stage 4 Breast Cancer

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