Help Jake afford cancer treatment

This is a fundraiser for Jake Freeman who was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This page is being managed by his partner, Ayden Schwier.

Jake is 28 years old from Corbin, Kentucky. He’s moved around a bit since childhood, but finds himself living in Covington, Kentucky with his partner, Ayden in a home that he purchased last year. He also manages a bar in Downtown Cincinnati where he works with some of his best friends. Jake has had every reason to be happy and excited for the future. Then, he started to get really sick at the beginning of 2022. Not everyone could see it and he managed to continue working, but he lost weight and suffered in private for months until he was able to get a diagnosis. Blood cancer. As soon as the diagnosis came, we had appointments lined up for the next two weeks. That included a surgery in his neck and get a 100% diagnosis.

Later he had another surgery to place a port in his chest for chemo. This was a more challenging recovering than expected. They expect a down payment for every appointment, surgery, bloodwork, etc. Jake didn’t get insurance through his work until January and had to pay a lot up front. We were paying out of pocket for everything while managing a new home, mortgage, property taxes, pets, etc. His oncologist immediately prevented him from working and while he was recovering from the surgeries, he really couldn’t. I (Ayden) was unfortunately only working part time. My job changed ownership as soon as Jake got the diagnosis and it affected my hours drastically and caused great financial stress. In good news, Jake has been able to return to work in between chemo treatments and I have just found a new full time job! He is working with a social worker on affording major medical bills, but they are over $40,000 already. The process of applying for financial aid is long and grueling. We anticipate more treatments through April and at least two more surgeries. His chemo treatment is aggressive and the side effects are brutal.

It’s nice that Jake is able to return to work, but each treatment will make him feel sicker and sicker. He will have practically zero immune system and the winter season is a dangerous time to work in a bar. He needs to be able to call off work at any time without worrying about bills. If I can’t cook for him and he wants to order out, he deserves a warm meal no matter the doordash prices. It is with the greatest humility that we reach out for donations to help this next year of treatment for Jake feel as comfortable as possible. He will be having 6 hours of chemo every other Wednesday through May.

Anything will help. Even a dollar. If you can’t donate, but want to help another way, please reach out to me, Ayden Schwier!

All donations will go to paying medical bills and helping with household bills. Kind words and wishes help too. Times are hard, so take care of your own first. But if you have a lil extra, I know someone who could really use it. Thank you in advance for everyone’s continued support!

Lastly I want to say thank you to my parents and Jake’s parents for their ongoing support. My parents have stepped up for Jake and I since they are way closer to us than his parents. Helping with mowing, food, bills, etc. Jake’s parents are doing everything they can from afar. Driving up for surgeries, being available anytime we call, and helping with bills. Jake’s sister was also diagnosed with breast cancer this year and his family has shown strength and courage at the most admirable level. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.