Fundraiser for Joy Eto's Cancer Treatment Expenses

As you may know, Joy was diagnosed with tongue cancer and entered a clinical trial at the City of Hope National Cancer Center in Los Angeles, California in September 2025.

On October 1, she became the first human being to receive a localized injectable form of chemo directly in the tongue. She is receiving the chemo injection weekly (on average) for 4 weeks, followed by a surgery which is expected to be complex and painful, with many months of recovery. While much of the treatment is covered by insurance, there are many other expenses.

Joy and her husband Youske are long-established Buddhist practitioners, living in Vancouver, Washington, USA, and they are both experienced professionals in the health-care field. They are now staying in California near the cancer clinic as long as needed. 

We know you're here because you are already a warm-hearted and caring person; we've seen it by the outpouring of love through so many well-wishes and prayers for Joy and Youske. 

Since it's everyone's wish that Joy successfully comes through this ordeal of such weighty proportions, please join us to lighten the financial burden as much as possible.

(See "Other Ways to Donate" at the end.)

Expenses:

• Housing: $25,000.00. 

Joy is staying in an AirBnB near the cancer clinic in LA. 

• Night-time caregiver: $7,500.00

for skilled nurse or aide during hospitalization.

Joy is expected to be hospitalized for 7-10 days. They will insert a tracheostomy* during the surgery since the inflammation from the surgery will block her airway and she will be unable to speak for a period of time. In case she suddenly has difficulty breathing and needs immediate help, Joy and Youske want someone awake with her at all times until she feels safe.

Youske plans to stay with Joy 8am - 4pm and have a friend or family be there from 4 - 10pm. A caregiver will be with Joy from 10pm - 8am.

The minimum cost for 10 hrs/night for 7-10 days is $7,500.00 (night-care is not covered by insurance).

• Airline tickets: $5,000.00 

Tickets are +/- $500 one way, needed for several friends &/or family members coming to help. 

• Rental car: $2,200.00 for about 2 months 

• Out of pocket expenses: $3,000.00

for food, cleaning, parking, medical supplies insurance won't cover, etc.

The total estimated expenses are $42,700.00

(see "Other Ways" below)

* Tracheostomy: A tracheostomy or trach is a stoma (hole) made through the skin in the front of the neck and attached to the trachea (windpipe). It's done to help a person breathe (or swallow due to swelling) and requires monitoring and maintenance..

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/treating/surgery.html

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Other Ways to Donate:

Be a Matching Donor: 

Would you like to volunteer (anonymously if you wish) to donate a pre-set amount as an incentive to the community to reach the same amount? This obviously calls upon your extreme generosity but also is a very exciting and meritorious endeavor. Please contact Kathy Rousseau, or if you have my phone number you may call or text.

Frequent flyer miles:

If you would like to donate frequent flyer miles please contact Kathy or call or text.

Credit card points:

If you would like to donate points please contact Kathy or call or text.

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Our goal is high, but any amount you are able to contribute will be so helpful and appreciated. If you aren’t able to contribute at this time, you can help by sharing this with friends and family, and, as always, prayer is so very meaningful.

Thank You All So Very Much!

Kathy Rousseau and the Rigpa Sangha

For updates on Joy's treatment and care, see the Caringbridge posts at:

https://www.caringbridge.org/search?q=Joy+Eto

Thanks to Zanna who set it up.

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