Help the O'Connells Weather an Unimaginable Storm

Life has taken an unimaginable turn for my sister, Ashli, and her family. They would never ask for help, so I’m doing it for them.

My brother-in-law, Brian, was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer a year and a half ago. Since then, he has bravely undergone surgery, radiation, and continued treatment, facing not only cancer but a number of additional serious health complications. Over the past 18 months, he has endured:

• Radiation

• Four major surgeries

• 55 days in the hospital

• Six months unable to work (unpaid)

• Many additional unpaid absences for treatment-related travel, therapies, and recovery

Brian has always been the steady provider. He shows up for others no matter what. He’s worked through pain and illness, helped countless others through his career, and been the quiet, reliable center of his family. It’s been heartbreaking to see him sidelined by the physical toll of his illness.

My sister, Ashli, works while also being Brian’s primary caregiver. Despite her strength, this dual burden has made it impossible to earn additional income. Their finances have been deeply impacted by ongoing medical expenses, time away from work, and rising costs of care and medical supplies.

Now, Brian is facing a new challenge: unrelenting pain with no clear cause, leaving him unable to drive or work. Numerous specialists and tests have so far been unable to diagnose the issue. The family is navigating yet another layer of medical uncertainty on top of everything they’ve already endured.

I’m hoping to raise $10,000 or more to help cover: essential expenses, medical travel, household bills, food, home repairs, car repairs, and support for their kids. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.

If you’re in a position to help, please consider donating, or sharing this with others. Let’s show the O’Connell family that they’re not alone in this fight.