The Tolson family needs our help! Back in early May, Joel was diagnosed with a “potato-sized tumor” (7cm x 9cm x 4cm) in his shoulder, sitting on the brachial plexus. Already a cancer survivor, Joel sprang into action and underwent many tests, procedures, and imaging so that his medical team could come up with a treatment plan. He was referred to specialists in Los Angeles and underwent surgery several weeks later. The trip was made all the more challenging due to COVID restrictions and lack of childcare for their 4-year-old son.
The 10-hour surgery was complex. The medical team had to break Joel’s collarbone in two places to remove the tumor, peeling six nerves off the tumor in the process. He was hospitalized for four nights before returning home to San Diego.
Doctors hoped that the nerve damage would be minimal and that he would regain function of his arm (the dominant one, where the tumor was found) within a month. Unfortunately, it has now been 10+ weeks and that hasn’t happened. In addition, the nerve damage paralyzed his right diaphragm, making it hard to breathe and impacting Joel’s ability to return to his baseline level of functioning. He has experienced significant pain, which affects his sleep, energy level, and comfort. Although he has been actively participating in the rehabilitation process, Joel’s doctors are now estimating that he will probably need 6-10 more months to regain use of his arm and diaphragm.
Throughout this medical crisis, Joel has been unable to work. His benefits from FMLA will end in 10 days. Although his employer is offering him continued leave and disability (60% pay), he has been told that if he wants to maintain medical coverage, he will have to pay the full amount—roughly $1,900/month. Losing health insurance would not only impact Joel’s ability to access his team of doctors and to participate in his important follow-up visits, but it would also make it impossible for Kristen and Tiny Tolson to get care for their own health needs. They cannot lose their access to medical care, and meeting this unexpected expense for 6-10 months with limited income is insurmountable on their own.
That’s where you come in. The Tolson Family is in need of our support. Joel is already dealing with mounting medical bills from multiple procedures, his surgery, medications, and other treatments; without insurance, he would not be able to access the healthcare that he requires to rehabilitate and recover. We would like to show our support by raising money to help them weather this storm.
Joel has dedicated his life to counseling and coaching others. He helps students navigate professional hurdles and achievements, offers assistance and advice to community members who need support, and volunteers his time and talents to many creative pursuits. He is known to be patient, good-humored, and thoughtful in his interactions with others. In my own interactions with Joel, I have experienced him to be a strong advocate for social justice issues facing those who are oppressed and vulnerable to injustices in our community.
Friends, family, colleagues, and other supporters are invited to help Joel meet rising financial demands as he works towards healing and recovery. No gift is too small. All donations will go to the Tolson family to help with costs associated with maintaining their health insurance and meeting their medical needs while Joel is unable to work. We encourage you to share this page with your friends to increase potential for financial support.
If you are unable to donate financially to Joel, or would like to do more, I ask that you consider alternate ways you could help: helping with household tasks, providing transportation, running errands, delivering groceries, etc. The Tolsons would also welcome your emotional support.
The 10-hour surgery was complex. The medical team had to break Joel’s collarbone in two places to remove the tumor, peeling six nerves off the tumor in the process. He was hospitalized for four nights before returning home to San Diego.
Doctors hoped that the nerve damage would be minimal and that he would regain function of his arm (the dominant one, where the tumor was found) within a month. Unfortunately, it has now been 10+ weeks and that hasn’t happened. In addition, the nerve damage paralyzed his right diaphragm, making it hard to breathe and impacting Joel’s ability to return to his baseline level of functioning. He has experienced significant pain, which affects his sleep, energy level, and comfort. Although he has been actively participating in the rehabilitation process, Joel’s doctors are now estimating that he will probably need 6-10 more months to regain use of his arm and diaphragm.
Throughout this medical crisis, Joel has been unable to work. His benefits from FMLA will end in 10 days. Although his employer is offering him continued leave and disability (60% pay), he has been told that if he wants to maintain medical coverage, he will have to pay the full amount—roughly $1,900/month. Losing health insurance would not only impact Joel’s ability to access his team of doctors and to participate in his important follow-up visits, but it would also make it impossible for Kristen and Tiny Tolson to get care for their own health needs. They cannot lose their access to medical care, and meeting this unexpected expense for 6-10 months with limited income is insurmountable on their own.
That’s where you come in. The Tolson Family is in need of our support. Joel is already dealing with mounting medical bills from multiple procedures, his surgery, medications, and other treatments; without insurance, he would not be able to access the healthcare that he requires to rehabilitate and recover. We would like to show our support by raising money to help them weather this storm.
Joel has dedicated his life to counseling and coaching others. He helps students navigate professional hurdles and achievements, offers assistance and advice to community members who need support, and volunteers his time and talents to many creative pursuits. He is known to be patient, good-humored, and thoughtful in his interactions with others. In my own interactions with Joel, I have experienced him to be a strong advocate for social justice issues facing those who are oppressed and vulnerable to injustices in our community.
Friends, family, colleagues, and other supporters are invited to help Joel meet rising financial demands as he works towards healing and recovery. No gift is too small. All donations will go to the Tolson family to help with costs associated with maintaining their health insurance and meeting their medical needs while Joel is unable to work. We encourage you to share this page with your friends to increase potential for financial support.
If you are unable to donate financially to Joel, or would like to do more, I ask that you consider alternate ways you could help: helping with household tasks, providing transportation, running errands, delivering groceries, etc. The Tolsons would also welcome your emotional support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristen Tolson
Beneficiary