Critical Surgery Needed: Help Amy Fight Rare Cancer

Hi, I’m Shaun O’Rourke, and I’m fundraising for my incredible wife, Amy O’Rourke—a devoted mom to our daughter Abby who is 5 years old just starting kindergarten. Amy is fighter, who is facing a rare salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) tumor that has moved from her airway into her right lung.

The funds will go towards medical expenses and supplement income. Amy will be out of work for 3 months recovering from major surgery with radiation therapy to follow.

Shocking Diagnosis: At just 47, non-smoker Amy was blindsided by a salivary gland-type cancer (ACC) wrapped around her airway—a tumor so rare in the lung that treatment is complex.

Amy is considered part of the .01% of patients with this cancer in it's current location. This cancer (ACC) does not react to chemotherapy and can only be resected out along with radiation.

Race Against Time: We have assembled an amazing team at Duke Cancer Center . On August 11th, thoracic surgeon Dr. Hartwig and team are attempting a high-risk, lung-sparing surgery called (sleeve resection) to remove the tumor without sacrificing her entire right lung. If they can’t, she’ll need a pneumonectomy (full lung removal).

Dr. Hartwig is a thoracic surgeon with a clinical focus in lung transplantation and robotic assisted minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Why We Need Help

Medical Bills: Even with Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance, out-of-pocket costs for surgery, radiation, and travel to Duke will exceed $20,000.

Lost Income: Amy faces being out of work for 3+ months as she recovers.

Experimental Treatments: If the Guardant360 test reveals targetable mutations, clinical trials (e.g., MYB inhibitors) may be options to ensure a full recovery—but they’re costly and rarely covered.

How You Can Help

Donate: Every dollar gets us closer to funding Amy's cutting-edge care.

Share: Even if you can’t give, sharing this campaign spreads hope.

Pray/Send Love: Amy draws strength from your support.