This fundraiser will provide relief as I go through cancer treatment, and for my wife Bryce and I to have space and time to figure out our next space in peace.

Hello!

My name is Mike Hooves. You might know me as Mx Jendr on-stage. I was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer September 2023. I am devastated to announce that in February 2026 I was told my outlook was terminal; Stage 4.

New Diagnosis

I received an ultrasound after having persistent and worsening upper abdominal pain that left me in Urgent Care end-of-February 2026. My assumption was I was having gallbladder issues. Not the case, and my ultrasound showed suspicious lesions. Things moved quickly from here - I received a CAT scan, MRI, and Bone Scan Liver Biopsy (which had major healing complications), endless blood draws, and my very own brand new Oncologist.

These tests discovered that there were innumerable metastasis throughout my upper skeleton and liver through a simple ultrasound. My spine swelled from 12cm to 16cm and causes a lot of pain, effecting my ability to eat. My bones are so full of cancer in my hips, ribs, and spine that I fractured a rib attempting to life a water bottle. This to causes pain and I now need to walk with a cane.

Treatment

I started oral chemo March 22nd 2026. Additionally I will be receiving endocrine therapy and bisphosphonate therapy alongside chemo. Much of this is occurring at the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre.

My treatment is life-long. If these medications work I must stay on them or risk being killed by my cancer. Stage 4 has no 'end goal', it is a stage to prolong your life. I have to live with the side effects of my medications and cancer treatment until I die.

Life

My quality of life is currently quite low. I am constantly nauseous and struggle to eat. Moving my body proves painful, especially without support. Mentally, the toll is large. Staring at life-long treatment for a disease that will likely end me as it slowly eats away at my abilities is scary, sad, and lonely.

Currently I am largely bedridden due to nausea, pain, and fatuge. I do try to go for walks, and tidy, but this minute things prove extremely draining. It is clear that socializing and going out are not things I am able to do. Being in community, engaging with art, performing, are all key to who I am. I hope I can return to this someday but for now I need my bed.

The toll of a Stage 4 diagnosis has been very large for Bryce, my spouse, as well. She has dedicated herself to caretaking for me at the cost of her own needs, and it's clear it's not sustainable for her mental health. I want to highlight that in this struggle she is often forgotten or simply seen as another means of communicating with me. Please tend to her and keep her in your thoughts as a human who also needs attention, reassurance, and care in this process as well.

Income

It is clear I will need to leave my job and freelance practice to focus on my health-- something I'd like to do in short order. I will be pursuing AISH, however to do so I need to complete my taxes which I am embarrassed to say I have not touched since round 1 of my cancer.

Bryce is unable to hold a dedicated job down outside of retail at this time as she is caregiving for me, and herself. 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.

What We Need Help With

Were hoping to cover the next four months of the following costs:

We were blown away by your generosity last time and we're grateful for anything you can spare.

If You Can't Give, That's Ok!

If you aren't able to contribute money, just sharing this page is a huge act of support for us. Kind words are very welcomed.

For updates on my cancer journey please follow my website.

Thanks again! - Mike & Bryce