Jim Brigl Medical Funds Relief

(See “UPDATES” below for most current information.) 

Hi, my name is Charlene, and I am a friend of Jim Brigl. For the good part of the last two years, Jim has struggled physically in various areas. Most recently, he was diagnosed with edenocarcinoma, an esophageal cancer that is very aggressive.

Jim is very compassionate, having spent most of his life serving others in various ways. He has a soft spot for the homeless, the elderly, and anyone on society's margins. Jim now finds himself in the most vulnerable position as he has limited income and has already wiped out his savings as he sought testing and traveled to get help for his illness.

In July, Jim was diagnosed with the rare esophageal cancer at the base of his throat where it connects with his stomach. Because of its location, the cancer makes it very difficult for him to eat; his diet is pretty much boost and protein shakes with some very soft eggs and similar. Efforts to remove the cancer surgically in his home of Fort Wayne, Indiana failed. He learned that the treatment to further treat his cancer would involved weeks of radiation and chemo followed by a long and risky surgery to remove his throat followed by a very poor quality of life for whatever years left. 

In view of that he decided to seek a second opinion from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore/DC where Jim had lived for many years. His first day of consultation was on September 22. After a week of tests and meetings with doctors, the medical team determined that the preferred method of surgery was too risky and Jim agreed. The next treatment plan would consist of 7 weeks of chemo and radiation. While the five year survival is very low, the doctors were optimistic. Sadly, upon completion of setting up that treatment plan, Jim learned he also has bladder cancer. This upended the newly minted esophagus treatment plan. Jim will have his initial bladder surgery at Hopkins on October 25 after which the treatment plan will be modified.

As Jim gets farther along in this process, expenses keep mounting. While originally this fundraiser had a goal of $7,000, it was deemed a good idea to adjust it higher as co-pays, travel expenses, and relocation costs are mounting. 

Thanks to everyone who has already contributed and helped us reach our first goal! 

Let us pray:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved, as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen. ~ St.Francis of Assisi