My best friend, Brian Allen is truly a warrior! A warrior who has secretly been battling major health issues and stacking medical bills all while working towards finishing up his schooling, securing a decent job in his field of study and finally moving to the beach which he's wanted to do for years. It took quite a lot - but he's finally reached a point where he is comfortable sharing his story in hopes anyone can help him better navigate through perhaps the most difficult level of his journey to date. Although he remained silent about it to most, he has combated various gastrointestinal issues and complications for many years. His condition has recently escalated into more serious symptoms and problems he's had to address and conquer one after the other, after the other.

 

In early 2018, Brian had severe pain from gallstones ultimately requiring removal of his gallbladder due to the size of the stones. Not even a year later, he had a major hernia needing surgery to repair. Considering the physical limitations linked to that type of surgery - he still worked every day he could throughout this time and remained focused on his certifications and schooling to finally obtain his Masters Degree he'd worked so hard and so long for. Not even another full year later, his hernia ruptured requiring a second surgery to repair again. The clock started over for recovery and he once again had to endure the physical limitations in order to heal properly.

 

During this time he still struggled with the GI issues and healing from all the surgeries, but remained focused. He was finally able to secure a job in his field and moved to the beach. In the midst of beginning a new job and getting situated in his new apartment and all the stress that comes along with that - Brian landed in the hospital again for severe pain. Admitted to the hospital for over a week at a time and after multiple visits, scans and invasive procedures - He found out he had an extremely rare form of Stage 4 Cancer in his appendix which had unfortunately already spread.

 

After being diagnosed with Signet Ring Cell Appendiceal Carcinoma in Stage 4 - his doctors quickly went to work in attempts to remove as much as they could. He ended up having an appendectomy along with sections of his intestines and colon also being removed. They weren't able to get all of the cancer and Brian just recently started a 6 month round of chemotherapy followed by another round of surgeries to hopefully remove what else they can. This battle over the last few years has seriously taken a toll not only on his spirit, but on his financial standing and that of his family who has helped him push through this whole time. He is humbly requesting anyone who can - please help him continue to fight during his long battle ahead to recovery and remission. He hopes to still be able to perform at his new job and also keep his new residence at the beach while he fights this... but he just physically won't be able to work for at least 8 months while he begins his chemo and expects a very bumpy ride while getting acclimated to treatment so his doctor advises. Please help him in any way you can so we can give him a fighting chance to beat this! Although he's scared to death of what lies ahead - he is so appreciative and grateful for any and all help you can offer!

If you aren’t comfortable donating to GoFundMe,
his PayPal is paypal.me/bka421
Venmo is @Brian-Allen-275