Medical Cost for My Brother's Surgery

19 years and counting, my brother has been one of the most influential people in my life.  He has always pushed me to walk an upright path with the Lord, and has instilled in me a passion for worship music since a young age.  [Fun Fact: He named me 주찬 (praise the Lord) before I was even born] I always looked up to my older brother as a kid, and wanted to be like him in so many ways. I imitated his mannerisms, his habits, his hobbies and interests, and wanted to be as cool as him one day. Over the years, we slowly drifted apart, as he moved to the East Coast to attend seminary and I attended college in NorCal. Despite the physical distance between us, I always knew I could count on my brother for advice and saw him as the strong and resilient backbone of the family. 

Recently, however, our family was informed of disheartening news, as my brother was diagnosed with infiltrating, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer) on the 21st of November. Throughout these past 4 weeks, my family underwent a grueling process to find the best possible treatment for his illness. I wasn't physically present by my family's side during this time, as school was still in session, and couldn't be there as our family experienced this tough situation. However, I learned later on that there were some serious clerical and legal complications from both healthcare and doctors' offices. The process was extremely delayed, despite the cancer potentially spreading and causing greater concern.

This past week, while my family was immersed in this dilemma, we thought of my aunt’s husband in Korea, who had experienced a similar illness 3 years ago and had been treated effectively. We got in contact with him, and he contacted the surgeon who had formerly treated him. After describing my brother’s symptoms to him, the surgeon insisted that surgery needed to be performed ASAP, due to my brother’s young and healthy age, as well as the volatile nature of the cancer.

My brother and mother flew to Korea on the 16th, and arrived the following day. My brother was hospitalized on the 19th and in a span of two days, his CT, PET, and MRI scans were all redone. The surgeon promised to perform surgery on the 24th, and for now, my family and I are patiently waiting for this day.

The 24th in Korea would most likely be the morning of the 23rd in the US, but wherever you are during this time, I ask that you lift a prayer for my brother’s surgery to run smoothly. We are hoping to raise roughly ~$50,000, which will not only cover the medical cost, but also pay for potential airline tickets during the busy holiday season. It will also pay for the recuperation stage as well as other possible treatments of cancer if his condition is more serious a problem than can be solved by mere surgery. Best case scenario, we won't be required all 50k in expense, but we are collecting for what might potentially come our family's way. MY FATHER, HEUI MOON LEE, WILL BE THE BENEFICIARY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. HE WILL WITHDRAW THE FUNDS RAISED, AND PAY FOR THE MEDICAL COSTS USING HIS CHECKING ACCOUNT.

My father has been working tirelessly as the planter of a fairly young church in LA, and my mother has been supporting him the whole journey. They both faithfully serve in ministry, and usually do not have much time to take care of us. It was especially difficult for them both during this time, as my mother experienced high blood pressure caused by extreme emotional and physical stress, and my father obsessed over finding the best possible treatment for my brother.

Even if you cannot support us financially, we believe that prayer is the most effective and supportive method. Please pray that the surgery does not result in a potential speech impediment -  especially as he is a servant in ministry, preaching and speaking are crucial to his life and career. Pray that he will have a renewed strength in God to hold onto Him even more fervently through these tough moments.

I know my brother will truly appreciate all your support, so if he has had any meaningful relationship with you or impacted your life in any way, please feel free to show some love. <3

With all the delays and complications, we are unsure and anxious of the outcomes, but we pray that God will really take care of things according to His timing. We hope to endure through in faith, and see Christ's goodness and wisdom by the end. In this chaotic and worrisome season, we hope to witness a Christmas miracle through the healing and recovery of my brother. Thank you and God bless!

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