Help Andy Simpson and his family through his cancer journey

As many of you would be aware, Andy was diagnosed in May with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. There have been many medical costs for the family that are out of pocket (Lung Cancer is not as well funded as many other forms of cancer), and they have had many other medical expenses this year for Cadence, Jemima and Zosia as well.

Cadence and Andy have been reluctant to go down the path of starting a GoFundMe page (hence we are now in July), however, it has got to the stage where they can't do it by themselves financially. Their estimated out-of-pocket medical bills have totalled about $20,000 already for the family due to both of their young daughters also needing surgery this year. In addition, they need to replace their family car which has recently packed it in at the same time. Andy and Cadence will also have to pay for several upcoming PET scans for Andy that are not covered by Medicare for lung cancer patients (which is about $1000 out of pocket for each scan).

Whilst the family want to acknowledge that it is a tough time financially for most, many people have still indicated that they would like to help financially which the family would appreciate. The figure of $22,000 listed is the estimated cost of their out-of-pocket medical bills that they have already incurred, and those they are already budgeting for that are upcoming in the next couple of months.

In the name of transparency (Andy wanted this included), helping them cover some of their medical expenses may also allow them the opportunity to make a few memories and tick off a couple of 'bucket list' items. Given the usual prognosis is months, not years, for Stage 4 lung cancer. (Andy's age, non-smoking medical history, fighting spirit and faith mean we are optimistic he will beat these odds though!), this is something we are encouraging them and supporting them to do as an extended family.

If you are not in a position to support financially we totally understand, and there are other ways in which you can support the family. We encourage you to reach out to them or a member of the extended family to see how else you can support them if you would like to assist.

Created by Joel Williamson (Cadence's brother), on behalf of Andy, Cadence, Jemima and Zosia Simpson and the extended Simpson and Williamson families.