Ernest Joyner's Medical Expenses
Donation protected
Hello everyone,
In case you are unaware, our family recently received some devastating news regarding our Dad, Ernie back in December of 2017. What started out as uncomfortable back pain turned into an unexpected Oncological issue. In a matter of months, dad has gone from walking around, driving a car and playing with his grandkids to no longer being able to stand and walk without assistance. Due to the multiple fractures in his spine combined with the cancer in his body, he is no longer able care for himself and his predominantly bed ridden.
He has been hospitalized multiple times and received multiple blood transfusions already and more than likely has a long road of additional hospital visits ahead.
Diagnosis: Stage IV- Metastatic Melanoma. Non-curable. The cancer is concentrated in his lower spine.
Treatment: He has gone through his first round of radiation and immunotherapy to try and combat the cancer that is destroying his spine.
Turning Point: In addition to the therapies dad is already undergoing, we got some positive news this past week where we found out that dad has a gene in his body that allows him to get a cutting-edge type of gene therapy that will literally increase the percentage of beating this thing exponentially!
The obstacle we are facing currently, is that this therapy requires 2 drugs for treatment. The unfortunate, yet not surprising piece to this, is they are extremely expensive, and insurance will not cover the cost. Our family is doing the best we can, but between the meds he is currently having to take and the addition of these two new drugs, we just can’t manage the astronomical costs.
As most of you know, our family is a very tight unit and we try hard to keep matters close without placing burden onto others and asking for help. The reality of this situation is, we need help. More appropriately, our dad needs help.
If you can help in any way, our family would greatly appreciate anything you can do. We are determined to do everything we can to ensure that cancer isn’t the way our dad’s story ends. He’s not going down without a fight.
Thank you so much for your positive thoughts, prayers and continued support. It means more than you will ever know.
Sincerely,
Erik and Jamie
In case you are unaware, our family recently received some devastating news regarding our Dad, Ernie back in December of 2017. What started out as uncomfortable back pain turned into an unexpected Oncological issue. In a matter of months, dad has gone from walking around, driving a car and playing with his grandkids to no longer being able to stand and walk without assistance. Due to the multiple fractures in his spine combined with the cancer in his body, he is no longer able care for himself and his predominantly bed ridden.
He has been hospitalized multiple times and received multiple blood transfusions already and more than likely has a long road of additional hospital visits ahead.
Diagnosis: Stage IV- Metastatic Melanoma. Non-curable. The cancer is concentrated in his lower spine.
Treatment: He has gone through his first round of radiation and immunotherapy to try and combat the cancer that is destroying his spine.
Turning Point: In addition to the therapies dad is already undergoing, we got some positive news this past week where we found out that dad has a gene in his body that allows him to get a cutting-edge type of gene therapy that will literally increase the percentage of beating this thing exponentially!
The obstacle we are facing currently, is that this therapy requires 2 drugs for treatment. The unfortunate, yet not surprising piece to this, is they are extremely expensive, and insurance will not cover the cost. Our family is doing the best we can, but between the meds he is currently having to take and the addition of these two new drugs, we just can’t manage the astronomical costs.
As most of you know, our family is a very tight unit and we try hard to keep matters close without placing burden onto others and asking for help. The reality of this situation is, we need help. More appropriately, our dad needs help.
If you can help in any way, our family would greatly appreciate anything you can do. We are determined to do everything we can to ensure that cancer isn’t the way our dad’s story ends. He’s not going down without a fight.
Thank you so much for your positive thoughts, prayers and continued support. It means more than you will ever know.
Sincerely,
Erik and Jamie
Organizer and beneficiary
Erik Joyner
Organizer
Jacksonville, FL
Ernest Joyner
Beneficiary
