Help Brad Keep Fighting: A Message from His Wife, Sue

Hi, I’m Sue—Brad’s wife—and this is the last thing I ever imagined I'd doing at this time in our lives. But we’re at a point where we need help, and I’m reaching out with hope and humility.

Brad was diagnosed with Stage III Non-small cell squamous lung cancer (NSCLC) in April. This type of cancer affects the thin, flat cells lining the lungs. Brad has two tumors in his right lung, and he is also battling Stage III COPD and relies on oxygen 24/7. Because of his lung condition and age, surgery isn’t an option.

When doctors first told us about Brads diagnosis, right off the bat they they suggested palliative care and we were both just completely blown away! Just two years ago, Brad was climbing ladders and working on our house. But Brad looked at the Dr. and said "excuse me".... Clearly he wasn’t ready to give up—and neither was I, or his incredible oncologist. Within a month, he was in treatment: six weeks (30 treatments) of radiation and six weeks of chemotherapy.

The good news? His scans showed the large tumor had shrunk to nearly half its size and the smaller one had also reduced.. We are so grateful, and now, (after fighting with insurance and three appeals later), Brad is receiving immunotherapy every other week, and he’s tolerating it well. We’re praying this treatment continues to work and gives us more time together.

But the financial strain is overwhelming.

We’re facing out-of-pocket costs for four doctors, three hospital stays, countless tests, nine monthly percriptions (that insurance does not fully cover) medications that help Brad breathe, prevent heart attacks, and reduce the risk of more blood clots. He also needs medical equipment to stay stable, which insurance only pays a portion of as well. We had a payment plan through UPMC, but after Brad’s recent hospitalization, the monthly amount was raised beyond what we can afford. We received some financial assistance last week for co-pays—but it's only for one doctor, and he has four. Meanwhile, we’re behind on bills and property taxes and facing collections on two of our bills...We simply can’t keep up..

I’ve spent countless sleepless nights filling out applications, crunching numbers, and trying to keep our heads above water. I have a job interview next Friday—and even though I don’t want to, I have no choice but to go back to work.. if I am hired, I won’t receive a paycheck for nearly a month and it will only be part -time because I need to be home for Brad. He isn't able to do much of anything without his oxygen levels dropping dangerously low, and I can’t leave him alone for eight hours a day. Honestly, I’m nervous about being gone at all.

My biggest concern is making sure this guy doesn't have to worry about anything except getting through this treatment over the next six months.. That’s why I’m asking for help—from family, friends, and anyone moved by our story.

This man is a rock star in my eyes. He’s fighting with everything he’s got. His lungs will never recover, but this treatment is crucial to stop the cancer from spreading.

If you can donate anything at all, we’re deeply grateful. If not, we completely understand—it’s tough out there. Even a prayer, a positive thought, or a share would mean the world to us. We need all the possitivity we can get right now..

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us.

With deep graditude,

Sue