In September, we received the heartbreaking news that Jon’s cancer has returned. After going through chemo, radiation, colostomy surgery to remove the tumor, and wound care; we thought our lives could return to normal.

Jon had been experiencing pain since June but local doctors in CT were dismissive. After months of the pain continuing, we asked for testing, which is when we discovered there is a new tumor. We decided to go to Mount Sinai in New York City to receive better care.

Jon went through testing and doctors worked as a team to come up with the best treatment plan. But this is when new challenges started. He had extreme back pain, vomiting, and blood in the urine. We went to the emergency room in CT twice in 48 hours and he was discharged twice, even with blood in the urine and extreme pain. They said he would start antibiotics and that there would be no reason for them to keep him there. Since he was not receiving the care he needed, we decided to go to Mount Sinai, even though we knew a two hour car ride would be very difficult with the amount of pain Jon was in. His doctor was able to get him admitted to the hospital right away, where he has been receiving excellent care.

There is a lot going on right now. In addition to the cancer, there are concerns with his kidneys, bladder, and prostate. The goal is to fix this urgent problem and then start inpatient treatment for the cancer, here in New York. It seems we will be here for quite a while.

With all of this going on, neither Jon nor I will be able to work. As a teacher, I can only use my sick days for an FMLA leave. I have 24.5 sick days, which will not take me very far on this journey that seems never ending. After that, I will not get paid and lose my insurance coverage after 12 weeks. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. How could I go to work and leave my husband to fight this alone? How could I have the mental capability to teach children while going through all of this? How could I not work and not provide for my family? I never knew how hurt I could feel until I saw the person I love most hurt.

In these times, it’s hard to begin to imagine how to pay for medical needs in addition to daily costs of living. Asking for this type of help feels uncomfortable. But we do not have the privilege of deciding if we want to ask for help. We need to ask for help.

Thank you for any support, friendship, donations, or prayers you can provide at this time. We are deeply and eternally grateful.