Help Gary “Gnu” Murray Fight Cancer and Rebuild His Life

Most of you know my brother as “Gnu”—a man with a big heart, a stubborn spirit, and a deep love for his family. Today, I’m reaching out on his behalf because he needs our support more than ever.

Gary’s Journey So Far

In April 2024, Gary was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, a cancer of the voice box. He endured 40 rounds of radiation therapy in Ogdensburg, NY, which came with exhausting travel costs, endless pain, and the inability to eat solid food. For months, he survived only on protein shakes, losing a significant amount of weight.

At one point, he was prescribed fentanyl patches for pain. After just one use, he nearly lost his life when he accidentally applied one too soon. Living alone, he had to crawl to Narcan and save his own life. That was the last time he ever used fentanyl.

Despite the pain, Gary fought hard. By December 2024, his scans showed he was cancer free—or so we thought.

• December 10, 2024: A biopsy revealed radiation-induced skin cancer on his chest.

• January 2025: All of his teeth had to be surgically removed due to radiation damage.

• January 22, 2025: Thankfully, his skin cancer was fully removed.

For a few months, he was able to eat again and even regained the weight he had lost. But by July 2025, swallowing became impossible once more, and he was back to protein shakes.

In September 2025, after painful scopes and scans, we got the devastating news: the cancer had returned. Radiation was no longer an option. Chemotherapy was uncertain. His best option was to have his voice box surgically removed.

Doctors told him that without treatment, he’d have 6 months to a year to live.

At first, he hesitated. But sitting on the couch with his beloved grandchildren, he said:

“I need to fight for my grand babies” and “I don’t want to die, I’m not ready.”

What’s Ahead

Gary’s surgery is scheduled for October 9, 2025 at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. It will be an 8–10 hour procedure followed by at least a week in the hospital. Afterward:

• He will have a temporary feeding tube for 2–3 weeks.

• He will need to crush or adjust medications.

• He will gradually reintroduce liquids, soft foods, and then solids.

• He will require speech therapy and a device to help him speak again (TEP or electronic laryngeal prosthesis).

This is going to be a huge adjustment—physically, emotionally, and financially.

How You Can Help

The costs are overwhelming:

• Frequent 3-hour trips each way to Syracuse for appointments and surgery.

• Hotel stays for family members helping care for him.

• Loss of income, since Gary can’t work during this fight.

• Ongoing medical bills, therapy, and recovery expenses.

Gary has always been a fighter, but no one should have to fight alone. With your help, we can ease some of the burden so he can focus on healing and being here for his family—especially his grandkids, who are his greatest motivation.

Every Bit Helps

• Donate if you can—no gift is too small.

• Share this campaign with others who know and love Gnu.

• Pray and send positive thoughts for strength and healing.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Gary “Gnu” Murray in his battle. Let’s show him how much love surrounds him and give him the strength to keep fighting.