Help Mark-Che's Dad Get Colon Cancer Surgery

Hello everyone,

My name is Mark-Che and within the past 48 hours, I received a call from my father who shared that while doing some tests for some indigestion issues, his doctor found a blockage in his colon and has confirmed that it's cancer. Luckily, it's been found early enough that if he's able to schedule an operation within the next 30 days, it should prevent it from spreading and infecting further organs. Surgeries such as these in Trinidad and Tobago are usually covered by the healthcare system but due to the Covid19 situation in the country, ALL elective surgeries have been suspended by the Ministry of Health. This means, in order to stop the cancer from spreading, my dad must pay for the surgery through a private healthcare institution. The cost of the surgery is $120,000 Trinidad and Tobago Dollars (TTD) which roughly translates to $22, 350 Canadian Dollars (CAD). This is the amount of money that I am trying to fundraise as if he has to wait for the public health system to reopen and take patients, then it is less likely that he will be able to make a complete recovery. Colon cancer removed early often doesn't require further treatment.

If you're close to me, you know that my dad has been fighting a battle with glaucoma over the past 10 years which have significantly reduced his savings (paying for surgeries and medication) but recently completely took his eyesight at the beginning of 2021 and left him completely blind.

My dad has been one of the pillars in my life and many of my other queer friends' life not only now, but especially in Trinidad and Tobago. He has consistently demonstrated that it's possible for Black, Caribbean men to support their children regardless of sexual orientation and in spite of religious beliefs. My dad has made multiple financial sacrifices to allow me to access all of the resources I needed to get me to the place I am today. Not only does he continue to denounce homophobia, but has continuously been open to understanding queerness and my own identities since I shared them with him 12+ years ago.

I am asking literally everyone and anyone who knows me to please donate, share with friends and family who can donate if you can't or simply share on your socials as I intend to do everything in my power to get my dad this surgery and stop this colon cancer from spreading and growing. The surgery needs to occur within the next 30 days so ANYTHING & EVERYTHING helps.

The amount I have shared above only includes the cost of his surgery and nothing else. I intend to keep everyone who has donated updated with how ALL the money has been used and how your donation has helped.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and to help.

About Me:

Mark-Che (He/Him) is a queer, poly Trinidadian born arts facilitator, events manager, dancer and member of the ballroom House of Siriano. He is the co-founder of the RUDE Collective, a queer arts collective specialising in showcasing artwork by queer racialised artists in the city through an underground dance party lens in nomadic venues.