Joe Somerville's Cancer Journey Needs You

My name is Kara Hooper, and my father, Joe Somerville (known as Karadad on Facebook), has recently faced significant health challenges. Following the discovery of a mass behind his right eye in November and December, he underwent surgery with the hope of a positive outcome. Thankfully, the mass was found to be benign, offering a temporary reprieve. However, subsequent CT scans revealed a more concerning reality: the presence of tumors on both his right adrenal gland and kidney. This led to the diagnosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer.

His scheduled surgery on February 20th will involve the removal of his right kidney and adrenal gland. While the anticipated outcome is positive, further examination of the scans unfortunately revealed additional masses in his chest lymph nodes. We are deeply grateful to his exceptional healthcare team for their thorough and comprehensive evaluation of my father's condition.

The treatment of the lymph node masses will necessarily follow the kidney surgery, extending the overall treatment timeline. Remaining ever optimistic, my father diligently adheres to his physician's instructions, utilizing his vacation time to attend numerous tests and pre-operative appointments. Unfortunately, the timing of this diagnosis has resulted in exceeding his insurance out-of-pocket maximum for both 2024 and 2025, a common occurrence with such significant medical challenges. While my father remains resolute in his fight against this disease, the inability to continue working during treatment creates a financial strain.

As a loved one, witnessing my father's struggle can feel overwhelming, leaving one with a sense of helplessness. However, the outpouring of support from friends, family, and those who have encountered him throughout his life – from Michigan to Newnan, and now in Jacksonville – provides a crucial lifeline. While my father would never ask for financial assistance, this situation presents an unprecedented challenge.

I humbly request your support in this shared battle. With unwavering faith, my prayer is for God to grant my father complete healing through the exceptional care he receives at the Mayo Clinic. I kindly ask that you join me in prayer for his recovery and consider contributing financially if you are able.

Thank you and God Bless,

Kara Hooper