On Friday, May 28th, while most people were gearing up for a long holiday weekend and the unofficial start of summer, I was in a doctor’s office getting the news that no one wants to hear: “It’s cancer.”

What started a few months earlier as fatigue had progressed to difficulty swallowing, and an endoscopy had shown an ‘angry and inflamed’ esophagus. Biopsy results confirmed malignancy. Multiple tests and consultations ensued, and more bad news was received: cancer cells had been found in my supraclavicular lymph nodes, so radiation was not an option. On July 13th, I started 6 months of chemotherapy for “early Stage 4” esophageal adenosarcoma. The oncology team at Mercy Medical Center has been providing excellent care, and so far I’m tolerating the chemo with minimal side effects.

I do have health insurance to cover most medical expenses, but lost wages have created a financial hardship - savings are already totally depleted, and credit cards are almost maxed. As a seasonal/contractual employee, I do not appear to be eligible for short term disability; I have exhausted all leave options. I hope to get back to park-rangering and music-making as soon as I am able; in the meantime, expenses continue to mount. In addition to numerous copays and prescriptions, it has been a struggle to stay current on bills, and there are lots of household expenses that have been put on hold (Could the clothes dryer have picked a worse time to die? I think not). Your donation would help alleviate a lot of strain during this fight to conquer cancer. Any amount you can spare would be greatly appreciated!