Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues across the globe

We are shocked and saddened to report that Mitch Murphy, our favorite rum cake baker, leader, entrepreneur, and impromptu dance party instigator needs urgent support.

Earlier this month, Mitch went to the hospital for severe chest pain and after initial scans, he was admitted to the hospital under the assumption that he had double pneumonia. Eventually admitted to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, his doctor reported that the results of his mediastinal lymph node biopsy show small cell cancer in three out of four of the lymph nodes sampled. There is also evidence of extensive necrosis in one of the nodes.

Currently, we know the nature of this aggressive form of cancer but not the extent to which it has spread, his longer-term prognosis, or his treatment plan. Mitch is awaiting another round of scans scheduled for early to mid-June to clarify the stage of his cancer and potential treatments.

As some of you know, after living in Mexico City for nearly 12 years, Mitch recently relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to be close to his twin sister and her family and is still very much in transition. Their father has been fighting cancer for the past several years, keeping the family in crisis mode for some time. As you can imagine, Mitch’s diagnosis adds another layer of stress for them.

Please join our support team for Mitch as he navigates the dual hellscape of cancer and an already grotesque stack of medical bills. Having just relocated back to the U.S., Mitch did not have health insurance until after the time of his diagnosis. He is now insured and the monthly premiums are quite high.

As a 100% self-employed business operator, Mitch cannot pursue company-building at the same pace while enduring treatment. We want to activate a support system to see him through what is sure to be a rocky ride. Your generous donations will go straight toward alleviating this quickly accruing debt, allowing his focus to be getting the care he needs.

Please subscribe to this page to follow along during this very challenging journey. We will update everyone here as we get more information about next steps.

Immediate Ways for You to Help:

Cash. Mitch must start chipping away at the ruinous and fast-mounting medical debt already piling up. Let’s do what we can to help keep his focus on getting the care he needs despite the crushing price tags attached. No amount is too small and we appreciate any contributions you can make in this collective effort.

Expertise. If you are experienced with medical debt negotiation, grant access, or treatment advocacy and are willing to offer advise, please leave a comment. Let's keep him resourced and informed as we get more information about his prognosis.

Support. If you cannot support the campaign financially, please consider sharing it within your network. Do you have triumphant stories to buoy his spirit? Your words of encouragement are appreciated!