Help Marcus Family Through Medical Crisis

In mid-October, our world was turned upside down when we found out that my dad has a mass on his lung and two tumors in his brain. After a biopsy, it was confirmed—stage 4 metastatic lung cancer, already spread to his brain. The tumors are putting so much pressure on his brain that he’s experiencing weakness and feels almost paralyzed on his entire right side. The doctors have him on a range of medications to help with brain swelling, seizure prevention, and pain management. He’s been fitted for a mask to prepare for targeted radiation on his brain tumors, and then we were told what no family ever wants to hear: the lung doctor gave him a prognosis of 1-5 years. We don’t know if or when he’ll be able to get back to his normal life.

Before his PET scan could be done to check for further spread, he was struck with unbearable pain, unable to even sit up in bed. My mom rushed him to the ER, where we learned his colon had ruptured, likely due to side effects of the medications. He was airlifted to Toledo for emergency surgery, and now he has a large wound and a colostomy, and is working through intense pain as he tries to stabilize.

Our dad is our rock. He has 7 kids, 3 grandkids, and a big, loving family who are all holding onto hope for a miracle, praying that he can return to the way he was and be with us for years to come. My mom has been by his side through all of this, but that means missing work and facing a growing mountain of bills.

We’ve set up this GoFundMe to help ease their financial burden so my mom can be with my dad and focus on what matters most. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help and means the world to us. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support during this difficult time. We are so grateful.