Fighting Irish & Friends Support for Brian & Em

In early 2022, our dear friend Brian McLaughlin was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which came as a huge shock to his many extended family and network of friends, and his beloved wife and partner Emily.

After two years of intensive immunotherapy treatment, Brian was able to return to work this past February as a Deputy County Attorney, handling civil litigation for his lifelong home of Nassau County, and for the first time in two years, he and Emily were able to look toward the future.

Last month after experiencing some new pain, Brian underwent a series of tests where doctors discovered a cancerous lesion in his brain, with other cancer cells present in his spinal fluid and cord. The tumor would require emergency brain surgery, however the leptomeningeal cancer is not operable. On September 24, Brian underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor.

This week, still in recovery from this recent surgery, Brian starts a new round of radiation immediately in the hopes of combatting the lepto cancer; the efficacy of this treatment given the nature and stage of the cancer are unknown. While receiving the best care in the world close to his home in New York, he and Emily are in a very difficult situation, and we want to show our support in any way we can. ND Friends of Brian M is raising funds in the next 7-10 days to offset medical costs from this treatment and subsequent care so that Emily and Brian can remain focused solely on Brian’s quality of life, without the stresses of what future care may or may not be covered by insurance.

Despite the harrowing implications of the diagnosis, and throughout the intensive medical appointments, radiation, and infusions, Brian has shown unflinching courage and composure, refusing to let the cancer change his upbeat, hilarious, and indomitable spirit.

The road ahead for Brian and his wife Emily, a stalwart in all of this, will not be easy. As his friends, family, and community, we want to provide immediate support to offset medical bills and enable Emily and Brian to focus on Brian’s quality of life without the added stress of costs. Brian and Emily’s resolve through all of this has been a testament to their unconditional love and generosity they show each other that extends out beyond them to their entire network of friends and family. When faced with the worst, they have reminded us all why we love them so fiercely with their unmatched humor and resolve. Brian and Emily continue to fight, and we want to fight alongside them. Please join us in supporting them. Thank you so much.