Remembering Jay Subia With Love

We are reaching out to you with faith and trust in God as we navigate this difficult journey with my brother Jay. We hold onto His promises and lean on His strength during this challenging time.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

Jay was first diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2018. He battled the cancer and was in remission until the cancer returned at the end of 2022. He courageously battled the cancer with multiple kinds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In October 2024, Jay completed his last chemotherapy treatment in his plan as it wasn’t responding the way we hoped. The following month, the family went on vacation to the Philippines to visit Jay’s childhood home that he hadn’t seen since he left over 35 years ago!

Upon returning to Washington, in December 2024, Jay suffered a seizure in the bathroom. Paramedics responded, and he was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where he was admitted to the ICU. Scans revealed a severe brain and spinal fluid infection. After nine days of intensive treatment with antibiotics, anti-seizure, and pain medications, Jay was discharged home to continue his medications.

Despite these challenges, Jay bravely resumed his treatment plan, undergoing chemotherapy for three weeks. However, in January 2025, scans revealed—the cancer had spread to his sacrum area and lungs. He immediately began radiation and chemotherapy, managing the difficult side effects as best as possible.

In February 2025, at an appointment to begin his second round of chemotherapy, Jay was unexpectedly transported to the UW Medical Center Emergency Room due to a concerning decline in alertness. Scans revealed another brain infection, requiring him to be moved to the Oncology ICU for urgent brain surgery to drain the infection and reduce swelling. After almost 3 weeks of hospital treatments and physical therapy, he was finally able to return home—only to develop a high-grade fever two nights later.

Rushed back to UW Medical Center Emergency Room, doctors discovered yet another brain infection. After another intensive week-long hospital stay, he was once again discharged home. A few days later, rapid breathing brought him back to the Emergency Room and admitted to the ICU for monitoring. Jay is fighting every single day with the unwavering love and care of his wife, Judith, who has taken on the role of his full-time caregiver, along with the support of her parents as they help care for their children.

As a family, we are doing everything we can to support them during this unimaginable time. Helping in any way we can—whether it’s assisting with Jay’s needs, spending time with the boys, or simply being there for them. We see firsthand how exhausting and overwhelming this journey has been, and we want to do all we can to lighten their load. Through it all, we trust in God's plan and His grace to carry us through.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Since November 2024, Jay has been unable to work, and Judith has not been able to return to work since the end of February 2025. We are humbly asking for your help to make ends meet—any donation, big or small, would mean the world to our family during this time.

If you are unable to contribute financially, we kindly ask for your prayers—prayers for Jay’s healing, strength for Judith and our family, and guidance as we navigate this incredibly difficult journey.

“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 30:17

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your love, support, and generosity. Every bit of kindness helps, and we appreciate you keeping Jay and our family in your thoughts and prayers.