Help Will fight cancer and support his family

Hi friends!

I’m reaching out today with a heavy heart and a whole lot of hope, asking for support for someone incredibly special in my life — Will. He’s Taylor’s dad, my best friend, and hands down one of the funniest, smartest, most stubborn humans I know (emphasis on stubborn).

In July 2024, what we thought was an allergic reaction to Japanese BBQ sauce (yes, he still laughs about this) turned into something none of us saw coming. One tiny ER room and a doctor later — cancer. WHAT?! Everything moved slow, but also somehow at the speed of light. Will was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (don’t Google it — trust me).

After enduring brutal treatment and navigating some of the darkest days imaginable, Will received the news we were desperately praying for: No Evidence of Disease (NED). We were over the moon. He had stared death in the face and somehow flipped it off.

The next phase was supposed to be immunotherapy to help keep the cancer at bay. But, because life just loves a plot twist, Will contracted the flu, and his immune system decided to attack his lungs (rude). He developed pneumonitis, which meant no more immunotherapy.

At his next scan, our worst fears were confirmed: the cancer was back. And this time, it brought friends — metastasizing to his brain. WTF. Not the brain! Not his prized possession!

So here we are again. Will has completed whole brain radiation (if you’re friends with him you’ve seen every session with epic background music) and is back on chemotherapy. But this round, he’s not doing it alone — a friend who recently went through chemo has been there to answer questions and give tips, which has made a world of difference in the mental health department.

The side effects this time have been tolerable, except painful skin issues that have made it impossible for him to work. And if you know Will, you know how much being a Social Worker means to him. He worked his butt off for his degree, juggling school, work, and parenthood. He’s so talented, kind, and driven to help others — and it’s crushing to see him unable to do what he loves.

We’re currently pursuing integrative care and alternate therapies that aren’t covered by insurance (shocking, right?), and medical bills, housing expenses, and the daily cost of living don’t pause for cancer.

Every single dollar donated will go directly toward Will’s treatments, support for Taylor, and helping this beautiful family navigate the hardest season of their lives.

We’re chasing hope. Chasing it all the way to the end of chemo and beyond — believing that someday soon, Will will be cancer-free and back to whatever “normal” is (because, let’s face it, none of us even know anymore).

If you can give, please do. If you can share this, we’d be so grateful. If you can send love, prayers, or your best dark humor jokes, we’ll take those too.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for your kindness, support, and love. It truly means the world.

With gratitude and a little snark,
Jessica, Mandy, Taylor and Will.