
James' Cancer Battle
My sister, Nicole, NEVER asks for help, but the hits just keep coming this year and I've decided to take the burden of begging away from her and create this fundraiser for her and her partner, James.(Nicole and James)
While we're all facing difficult times in the middle of this global pandemic, Nicole and James have been hit particularly hard. James started experiencing severe headaches and first saw a doctor for help on March 5th. After one full month of the anxiety ridden hell of testing (including withdrawing bone marrow), James received his diagnosis on April 5th: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the midst of this, on March 12th, Nicole and James took on emergency custody of our 4-year-old nephew, whose mother (our sister) is no longer capable of taking care of him.
Nicole and James have always been the people everyone goes to for help. No request has been too small, as they have gone so far as to take people into their home and give them a place to stay at no cost until they can get back on their feet. This has included friends, parents, siblings, cousins, and now our young nephew. (James and his 10-year-old son)
James faced this diagnosis bravely, undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatments, spinal taps, and sticking to a strict regimen of taking prescription medications.
Just as we thought he was on the right path toward remission, James woke up on May 2nd having difficulty breathing. After being rushed to the hospital, blood clots were found in his lungs, he was severely jaundiced, and his levels were all over the place. He has been in the hospital since which is hard enough, but even more difficult during a pandemic when guests and visitors aren't allowed to be there with him to provide the emotional support he needs.
Turning to the point of finances, James is currently set up on short-term disability, which will need to be transitioned into long-term as he continues this battle. This helps, but since it's a lower monthly income paired with the increasing expense of an additional child to take care of, Nicole and James' finances have become strained. To add to the hardship, following this hospital stay, James and Nicole will have to modify their home to make it more accessible, including installing new railing on the staircase and purchasing an adjustable bed. James will also need to attend rehabilitation and obtain mobility aids that are sure to be costly.
Nicole is doing everything she can to keep her family afloat, but it's already a struggle that's going to get worse as expenses become higher as they proceed through this battle. This is going to be a long-term challenge as James completes his chemotherapy and works to regain a normal life before returning to work.
I ask, on behalf of my wonderful sister and my amazing brother-in-law, please help if you can, whether it's $1 or $100. ANYTHING helps. Any funds raised will go directly toward medical care and accommodations.
Please share, and keep James, Nicole, their son, and our nephew in your thoughts and prayers.