- M
My name is James Armstrong, and I am a cancer warrior. Nearly five years ago, I was admitted to the hospital with a severe staph infection, which led to a misdiagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. After being passed from oncologist to oncologist in Northwest Indiana, I learned that too much time had gone by and I was actually facing stage 3 aggressive metastatic melanoma—a rare form. From that point, I continued to be passed between medical teams, each promising hope but never following through. No medical team kept me for more than a few months, always saying I’d be better off with someone more experienced, but that experience never came.
Finally, I found an oncologist and medical team where I felt confident and at home. Sadly, my oncologist passed away from a massive stroke, and I was transferred to his sister team in a neighboring town, where I am still receiving treatment today. I couldn’t be happier with their dedication and aggressiveness in ensuring the longevity of my life. Unfortunately, after several tests and aggressive weekly treatments—chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and multiple infusions—I was recently upgraded to stage 4. The cancer has now spread to three major organs, but my medical team hasn’t wasted any time making me feel at home and doing everything they can for me.
Despite my efforts to raise money by making custom pieces through customer requests, it hasn’t been enough. Friends and family have convinced me to turn to GoFundMe for help. Any funds raised will help cover monthly co-payments for treatments, medication, dietary changes, cancer support, and rehabilitation. While most medical bills are covered, the out-of-pocket costs are overwhelming and threaten my ability to continue treatment. If I can’t cover the co-payments, I can’t continue treatment, and I’ve been told how brutal big pharma and insurance companies can be. At 51 years old, I’m only asking for a few things left for these eyes to witness: to marry the love of my life and to see my son thrive as a member of the military and police department. I’m confident that with help, I can beat this. I’ve already proved every doctor and specialist wrong in my fight. I’m a fighter, not a quitter, and it’s hard for me to ask for help, but I need it now. Thank you in advance for everything.
Finally, I found an oncologist and medical team where I felt confident and at home. Sadly, my oncologist passed away from a massive stroke, and I was transferred to his sister team in a neighboring town, where I am still receiving treatment today. I couldn’t be happier with their dedication and aggressiveness in ensuring the longevity of my life. Unfortunately, after several tests and aggressive weekly treatments—chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and multiple infusions—I was recently upgraded to stage 4. The cancer has now spread to three major organs, but my medical team hasn’t wasted any time making me feel at home and doing everything they can for me.
Despite my efforts to raise money by making custom pieces through customer requests, it hasn’t been enough. Friends and family have convinced me to turn to GoFundMe for help. Any funds raised will help cover monthly co-payments for treatments, medication, dietary changes, cancer support, and rehabilitation. While most medical bills are covered, the out-of-pocket costs are overwhelming and threaten my ability to continue treatment. If I can’t cover the co-payments, I can’t continue treatment, and I’ve been told how brutal big pharma and insurance companies can be. At 51 years old, I’m only asking for a few things left for these eyes to witness: to marry the love of my life and to see my son thrive as a member of the military and police department. I’m confident that with help, I can beat this. I’ve already proved every doctor and specialist wrong in my fight. I’m a fighter, not a quitter, and it’s hard for me to ask for help, but I need it now. Thank you in advance for everything.