Help TJ Faulise While he Beats Cancer

I am organizing this fundraiser for two of the most deserving people I know. If you are reading this, it is likely that you know or know of either TJ Faulise or his significant other, Kristin Goodwin. The three of us grew up together and Kristin is like my sister. She would never ask for help and she might even be upset to find out I'm asking for help for her.

TJ and Kristin have been together for a large portion of their adult lives. They have two awesome twin daughters who are 8 years old. Kristin (a School Counselor) and TJ (a self-employed *incredible* auto-detailer) have been life-long Griswold, CT residents. It seems there isn't a person in town that they don't know! I'm asking for help for this family as they go through a tremendously trying time.

In August of 2021, it was discovered that TJ had a mass growing in his sinus cavity. Biopsy showed that the cancerous tumor was a rare type of sarcoma and would need aggressive treatment. In October of 2021, TJ started chemotherapy treatments at Yale Hospital. Shortly after his first treatments, TJ began to lose his beloved dreads. These dreads gave him the identity we've all come to know him by. Unfortunately, the treatments proved to be unsuccessful. A second chemotherapy regimen was started and again the tumor continued to grow. Because of the rapid growth and poor success with chemotherapy, TJ is scheduled to have surgery to remove the tumor this month.

Despite the original thought that TJ would have a prosthetic eye fit into his eye orbit after surgery, this is no longer possible due to the severity of the cancer. His right eye orbital bones will have to be removed with the tumor and the surgery will leave him with an unknown degree of facial disfigurement. There will be months of recovery and years of follow up.

TJ is self-employed and has been able to do very little work over the past few months. He is likely to be out of work for months to come. Kristin has been supplementing her full-time position as a part-time licensed therapist and as a certified MixxedFit instructor. She works tirelessly for her family yet always seems to find time for others. She has been the glue that holds it all together and deserves no less than the entire world. I would give her this if I could.

I am asking for help for Kristin and TJ. While your donations won't cure his cancer, they will provide a much needed financial reprieve for two of the most deserving people I know. Please consider donating any amount you can. Never underestimate the power of even $5! I know they will be forever grateful.

I wish you all peace and health,

Ashley