Joseph McKey’s Fight Against Cancer and Neurotoxicity

When we first met Joseph he was in remission from Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Loving, energetic, on the go, tackling all kinds of building projects - everywhere he goes, Joseph gets to know and care for people by name. Now the cancer is back and the treatment has caused side effects that the hospital here in Virginia does not have as much experience with. But a new opportunity has opened up for him and we need your help.

Our amazing son-in-law since 2018 is a godly husband to our daughter and an amazing father to our 2 grandkids that he lovingly adopted. He is also a caring father to his 4 adult kids from his first marriage. Joseph served as a Marine in the Gulf. He owned a construction company for years before having to sell it due to his initial diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2016. His treatment then was a stem cell transplant which put him in remission for several years, along with continual maintenance chemotherapy. While in remission he became a dedicated assistant project manager for the Chesterfield County Public Schools. God has used him to faithfully open his home to a dozen men for Bible study for a number of years. He has also been in leadership in the men’s ministry and the DivorceCare at our church. He has such a giving spirit that God has used, and most people think of him as the one who doesn’t hesitate to help others in need. Our church, Swift Creek Baptist Church, has been a tremendous support to them through their prayers, encouragement, meals, and their constant love and desire to meet their every need.

Joseph, Christen, Hattie (12), and Campbell (11) have enjoyed camping and hiking. When we went along on the 8-9 mile hikes in the mountains, Joseph always led the way with his trusty dog. In 2024, the cancer came back and he began CAR-T Cell Therapy in October to last 100 days. This is a fairly new treatment for Multiple Myeloma with possible neurotoxicity and parkinsonism in a few cases. The serious side effects have unfortunately occurred in Joseph’s case. Christen and Joseph’s faith and trust in God has not been shaken and Christen’s regular updates on Facebook are encouraging to us all.

However, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, is the #1 hospital in the US for cancer and Joseph was able to get an appointment on February 14! It has a program for neurotoxicity research and they develop interventions to reduce or prevent symptoms. Their work aims to identify and treat neurotoxicity associated with cancer and its treatments. They have felt God’s leadership and confirmation to move forward to this opportunity to get a second opinion

This is the beginning of this journey with MD Anderson and Joseph’s insurance will only pay a partial amount. We know they will require a full battery of tests. Beyond that, it is unclear what is next. We are unsure of the expenses in the months ahead. The initial goal to cover expenses is likely to change, but what we know so far is that they need $7500 just to get started. Any way you can help is greatly appreciated. Please continue the prayers.