This GoFundMe is for Jason & Denese. They are wonderful people who first met at 14 in Bakersfield at their hometown high school, but they never said how they felt. They both moved back to our hometown at 31 years of age after both going through medical issues and divorce to be closer to family, where they talked and  reconnected.

After 13 years, Denese was diagnosed with cancer, and she went through so many complications. They ranged from insurance issues, scheduling issues, multiple surgeries, a faulty stomach feeding tube that got infected resulting in a week in the hospital, dental prep for radiation, multiple hotel stays out of town, being hospitalized for equipment complications, numerous specialists, and more setbacks due to other unforeseen issues. 

To top this off, Jason lost his mother at the end of January after she had been on hospice for over a year in the middle of helping getting Denese’s treatments started. When it rains, it stormed for them the end of  2024 and the beginning of 2025 up to now.

Denese was finally able to start her 7-week chemotherapy and radiation treatments in April but needed not just help getting to/from all the daily appointments but around-the-clock care with bandage dressings, special food due to not being able to have another feeding tube installed, and regular day-to-day care, so Jason had to go on FMLA from his job. 

Denese’s mother has been such a help and has helped financially when she could and also with daily care while putting her personal life on hold to stay with them. 

But I don’t have to tell you how much money fighting cancer costs aside from emotional distress.

They had a few yard sales, listed items online on EBay and other platforms, and Jason even signed up to donate plasma, sold most of his comic book collection but only to make enough to cover basic needs and utilities while on FMLA.

The state assisted, but their limitations on what they could pay and for how long, lack of Jason’s regular salary and commissions while taking leave to care for her, and also having to step away from a small side business means they financially became overwhelmed.

Denese has completed her 7 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatment, got to ring the bell to celebrate but a week later ended up in the hospital for critical care on a feeding pic line for antibiotics while they were balancing her potassium and magnesium levels. 

After two weeks in the hospital they were able to release her for at home care, again on another set of IV’s and pic line for more nutrition. 

Those who know them personally know that they are great people, go out of our way to help others, and never ask for any help. 

That time has passed, I begged repeatedly and asked for permission to create this GoFundMe where Jason refused but later allowed me to create it for them set up directly to Jason as they could use help, any help.

As much as it hurts, I am sharing their story to explain what they have been through, what they are currently going through, and more that maybe coming later.

Kidding around, he asked where he could sell a kidney, and he laughed, but the tears filled my eyes so I created this GoFundMe for them to share their story and try to help.

I’m not looking for all the money needed to get them back on their feet financially; we would have to win the lottery or have Publishers Clearinghouse show up at the door for that. 

I’m hoping for their friends and family, anyone that knows them can help, even if it’s just a few dollars. Jason has helped me and my family when no one else was there, he helps anyone who needs it. Jason argued with me for months that he did not want me to do this but also we cannot let them go on feeling like they are alone or drowning any longer with the battle they have been 

So here it goes, I’ve given most of the details they haven’t shared with their friends or family who follow their posts online. They are good people that need a little help.

I know that it’s a far-fetched goal. I started it at $1,500, then $2,500, then $5,000 seemed a good out of reach goal.

I’m hoping for any help financially and love we can show them so they can get through this difficult time. 

They have had many sleepless nights, prayed, and tried numerous resources, but this might be another way to help them a little.

They also have friends that are planning a Poker Tournament Fundraiser on June 22nd, but I wanted to help them out as well.

Thank you for reading. If you made it this far, then you now know part of what they been through and how any assistance would help and benefit them. 

I wrote this with Jason’s approval and many edits still not sharing everything. I hope you will help them by even donating $5, $10, $25, or more if you are able to.

Godbless and please feel free to share their story and link so that we can help them. They are family to me and everyone they meet, let’s show them some love. 

Thank you!

V