Joining Joel's Journey
Donation protected
In January of this year, Joel began to complain of leg pain while he was playing basketball. Soon his parents noticed that his pain had developed into a limp. After a fall and some swelling, a doctor’s appointment was scheduled.
On Monday, January 27, the McConkey family heard those words that we all fear, “The X-ray reveals a tumor.” On February 6, the doctors at Duke University Medical Center diagnosed Joel with telangiectatic osteosarcoma. His first chemo treatment began on February 12, and Joel’s journey to beating cancer began.
Unfortunately, the McConkeys' journey was detoured on February 15. Before he could be discharged, Joel suffered a fall and fractured his femur at the site of the tumor. This led to an extensive hospital stay along with the diagnosis of a blood clot under the tumor, due to Joel’s immobility. This was just another challenge that this young man would face and overcome with the love, support, and prayers of his family and friends.
Finally, on May 18, Joel McConkey endured a fourteen-hour surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. Surgery was deemed successful; but on June 5, just two days following his eleventh birthday, a second surgery was necessary to clean out two hematomas.
In addition to the numerous trips from Jacksonville, NC, to Duke Hospital for clinic appointments and outpatient care, Joel has spent over 120 days in the hospital since February. Travel and meal expenses have continued to accumulate, adding to the financial burden the McConkeys are facing with medical bills.
Joel’s parents, Jon & Jami McConkey, are personal friends of mine and co-laborers in the ministry. When the diagnosis was first given, I asked Jon about setting up a GoFundMe to help them financially. Pastor Jon declined my offer, stating that he wanted to trust the Lord to provide. Over the past seven months, God has used the generosity of God’s people and friends from across the country to help the McConkeys in countless ways, including financial donations.
In a recent conversation, Jon shared with me his gratitude for so many that have helped, and he mentioned that the money was about to run out. When I pressed him again for permission to reach out to others, he and Jami finally granted me that permission.
Joel McConkey is a fighter and one of my heroes. With the Lord’s help, he is going to beat cancer! With our help, the fight can be made just a bit easier. Thanks for your consideration and for your continued prayers.
On Monday, January 27, the McConkey family heard those words that we all fear, “The X-ray reveals a tumor.” On February 6, the doctors at Duke University Medical Center diagnosed Joel with telangiectatic osteosarcoma. His first chemo treatment began on February 12, and Joel’s journey to beating cancer began.
Unfortunately, the McConkeys' journey was detoured on February 15. Before he could be discharged, Joel suffered a fall and fractured his femur at the site of the tumor. This led to an extensive hospital stay along with the diagnosis of a blood clot under the tumor, due to Joel’s immobility. This was just another challenge that this young man would face and overcome with the love, support, and prayers of his family and friends.
Finally, on May 18, Joel McConkey endured a fourteen-hour surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. Surgery was deemed successful; but on June 5, just two days following his eleventh birthday, a second surgery was necessary to clean out two hematomas.
In addition to the numerous trips from Jacksonville, NC, to Duke Hospital for clinic appointments and outpatient care, Joel has spent over 120 days in the hospital since February. Travel and meal expenses have continued to accumulate, adding to the financial burden the McConkeys are facing with medical bills.
Joel’s parents, Jon & Jami McConkey, are personal friends of mine and co-laborers in the ministry. When the diagnosis was first given, I asked Jon about setting up a GoFundMe to help them financially. Pastor Jon declined my offer, stating that he wanted to trust the Lord to provide. Over the past seven months, God has used the generosity of God’s people and friends from across the country to help the McConkeys in countless ways, including financial donations.
In a recent conversation, Jon shared with me his gratitude for so many that have helped, and he mentioned that the money was about to run out. When I pressed him again for permission to reach out to others, he and Jami finally granted me that permission.
Joel McConkey is a fighter and one of my heroes. With the Lord’s help, he is going to beat cancer! With our help, the fight can be made just a bit easier. Thanks for your consideration and for your continued prayers.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rick Finley
Organizer
Cates, NC
Jon McConkey
Beneficiary
