Let’s Help Evan (Alex) Turek Fight Ewing’s Sarcoma Cancer
Donation protected
Jill Capovilla is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Evan (Alex) Turek and his family.
Evan (Alex) Turek is a blessing to his family and to anyone who knows him! He’s the kind of son any parent would be proud of – and his mom/stepdad (Misty and Aaron Hammer) and his dad (Brad Turek) couldn’t agree more. He’s also an amazing grandson, brother, friend, coworker, and friend to animals.
Recently Evan (Alex) and his family had their world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer: Ewing’s Sarcoma. This cancer is a rare bone and soft tissue cancer that primarily affects children and teenagers. For the US there are about 200 cases per year. That’s about 1 case per million, with around 80% being under 20 years old at diagnosis. This diagnosis is extra-shocking, since Evan (Alex) is already 27 years old. Yet despite this, he continues to remain positive, grateful, and is proving to be braver than any of us could ever imagine (if we were in his shoes).
When I asked Evan’s Mom (Misty) for some things she loves about him, her face lit up instantly as she responded with, “He loves to help… he’s always offered to help me – starting from when he was just a little boy. Honestly, what kid does this?!” “He’s also so respectful and responsible – always letting me know his whereabouts so I didn’t worry as a mom.” This is just Evan – kindhearted and caring.
Evan (Alex) has not had any major health situations up until now – he was a typical boy, teen and young adult… enjoying video games and after high-school he went to UAT (Univ Advancing Tech in Tempe, AZ) and then ASU (Tempe, AZ) to pursue a degree in Film and Media Production. Unfortunately, COVID interrupted life for so many of us, and also this career passion for him. Being the responsible and independent person he is, he sought a different pathway altogether and has been working in the fraud department of an investment firm.
As any active 27 year old, Evan (Alex) should be focused on enjoying life, pursuing his dreams and making memories. Instead, this brave and bright young man is having to put all his effort, strength, focus and finances into beating a very serious and aggressive cancer - he's fighting for his life back. In addition, he and his family will need to figure out how to pay his high medical expenses (copays, items not covered with insurance, etc.), housing expenses, transportation, other bills and extra expenses associated with this cancer. This is hard for any of us to imagine the depth and impact to this family.
Treatment:
If all goes well, Evan’s (Alex) journey to recovery is estimated to be at least 12 months of treatments/surgeries/recovery. In addition, he will need life-long follow-up care and monitoring.
His current treatment plan is subject to change, pending how he responds. It involves bone scans, long sessions of infusions (in and outpatient), chemotherapy, radiation, prescriptions, various treatments based on how he responds to drug combos and all the other treatments, surgery to remove a tumor (or radiation if that’s deemed better), surgery to remove ribs and reconstruction (possibly more surgery if the cancer spreads) …unfortunately the list goes on and the rate of reoccurrence is high.
Times are hard for everyone, no doubt. Please know that any contribution, big or small, will make a world of difference in Evan’s fight against this life-threatening, horrible cancer. To be completely transparent, Evan (Alex) and his family did NOT come up with this GoFundMe option – it feels awkward for them since they are always on the giving side – not the receiving end. Finances are the last thing on their minds at a critical time like this – they just want Evan (Alex) to recover and gain back his quality of life. This GFM idea was generated from a few of their friends who want to help.
This diagnosis takes a HUGE mental, emotional, and financial toll on any person and their family. It’s a daily roller-coaster no one wanted to be on. Together, if this caring community can help with any of these burdens, undoubtedly Evan and his family would be VERY grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.
Any donations would be used strictly for medical bills & expenses, ancillary costs associated with Evan’s recovery (equipment, care, etc.), and living expenses (housing, food, transportation, etc.). Any unused funds will be donated to support research of Ewing’s Sarcoma and/or help someone else in need.
Please share this post, so we get the word out there for Evan (Alex)! We promise to provide regular updates on his condition to keep everyone posted – thank you for caring.
Most importantly, please keep Evan (Alex) in your thoughts, hearts and especially prayers.
#hisfightourfight #teamEvan/Alex
Fundraising team (2)
jill capovilla
Organizer
Mesa, AZ
Misty Hammer
Team member