Kevin McCarthy: Overcoming Cancer Together

Update 12/28/24.

Kevin is up and walking around. He feels good and looks good. He is still on pain medicine. He has become a pro at taking care of his stoma himself. He can't drive yet, nor eat spicy foods. We are hoping that when he goes back to the surgeon on January 13th, they will be able to set an appointment to have his colon reattached. But I have a feeling it is still a little too soon for that.

He's going stir crazy staying home relaxing to heal. If you know Kevin, nothing keeps him down. He is always looking to work or help somehow. I keep reminding him that the intestines hanging out of his stomach is only temporary and he is a cancer survivor!

Once again, he asked me to thank everyone for the prayers and donations. Knowing he has your help will allow him to heal without the anxiety of not being able to work.

We love you all and Blessings for a Happy New Year! ❤️

Update as of 12/17/24 -

Kevin came home from the hospital Sunday evening. Alot of pain and alot of changes.

Today, 12/17, he had his post op check in Lake Mary where the surgeon's office is.

The surgeon removed the stitches. He couldn't tell us what stage it is yet because it has to go through the "tumor review board". ‍♀️ He said to not count on any answers until the new year. HOWEVER, he did feel good about saying he believes it hasn't spread and knows he got the whole tumor. So now praying the lymph nodes will be clear. Time will tell and your continued prayers will definitely matter!!

He still can't go back to work for a long time. His abdomen needs to heal for 3 months and then he will have another surgery to reattach his colon together.

He wants me to express how thankful he is for all of your prayers and donations. He promises to try his hardest no matter what he faces to heal and get back to normal. Plus of course I send my sincere thanks as well! It will be a long 6 months, but everything happens for a reason! Love you all!! - Laura

My brother Kevin, the most selfless, giving person many know! After hurricanes he's known to walk the neighborhood with home cooked meals he made and knock on elderly people's doors to make sure they have something to eat. This year, he made sure everyone that lives alone in our neighborhood had a hot turkey dinner and all the sides to eat on Thanksgiving!

Problem with your car? Park it in his driveway and it will be fixed by tomorrow. He puts everyone before himself.

Just days before Thanksgiving this year, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgery was Dec 9th. The doctor removed the entire tumor in a 6 and a half hour surgery. In 3 months when his insides have healed, he needs another surgery to reattach his intestines. Then another 3 months of recovery to heal from that before he can go back to his part time job in a funeral home. Not many people can do what he does. He picks up deceased people from their homes or hospice facility or hospital/morgue and brings them to the funeral home. Extremely hard and heavy lifting. But he treats every single one with dignity and respect.

Hopefully Kevin gets out of the hospital today. We find out Tuesday the stage of the tumor and if he will need chemo and/or radiation. But he is already stressing about how he is going to get by for the next 6 to 9 months without the income from his part time job. He does get a small amount from Social Security because he is 66. Since he is part time at the funeral home, he doesn't have the benefits of any paid time off. No vacation, sick time or personal paid time off. He lives alone. Now, things are about to get rough on him.

As his kid sister, I would do anything for him, as he would for me, (and has).

I work a full time job, plus a part time job and I am currently looking for a 3rd job. (Thinking about Ubering or Door Dash). After paying my mortgage and bills, every extra cent I have will go to pay Kevin's bills, medication, supplies to change his ostomy bag and growing hospital and doctor payments that Medicare does not pay.

My Christmas this year will consist of the best gift of all. My brother is still alive and has a chance at a full recovery!

He is so embarrassed that I am doing this, but everyone needs help sooner or later.

I am asking, from the bottom of my heart that if you can donate any amount to help me (him), pay his expenses for the next 6 months, I would be eternally grateful. (And I know it would reduce him to tears, because he is always the giver, not the taker).

I know I speak for both of us by saying we will certainly pay it forward after these next six months are over.

Also, I know it's a bad time of year with the holidays here, and if you are not in a position to donate, please believe that I understand!!! Continued prayers would be certainly appreciated!!

God Bless and Merry Christmas!!! ❤️.