Mithoefer Family

Jim, aka Beasley, was diagnosed with tongue Cancer this past March.  The prognosis was great for his particular form of cancer, but as we all know cancer stinks on any level, and he was no exception.  At the very start, he encountered obstacles that were not in the “plan”. An emergency tracheotomy before treatment even began put him in the hospital for a week, a stay in the hospital due to pneumonia mid-treatment and then a terrible week in ICU after his 7 weeks of treatment was complete.  His journey has been anything but easy. The 7 weeks of treatment were standard protocol with radiation 5 days a week, and chemo after radiation once a week.  By the end of the day on Fridays, they had spent a minimum of 15 hours driving to and from the hospital (UPENN). Steffanie has been his rock through the entire journey.  She has stepped away from her job to be by his side at every waking moment, being his advocate when he couldn’t communicate his needs, holding his hand during treatment and making her magical smoothies so he wouldn't have a feeding tube (that was one of his top goals, which he did accomplish!).  The two of them make an incredible team, and a team they have been since 1989.

Many trips to the ER, the 7 weeks of treatment, in-home visits from nurses, commuting to Philly 5 days a week and 2 ICU stays have obviously taken a huge toll financially.  With both of them out of work this entire time, you can imagine what the bills look like that have just started to come in. We had hoped we wouldn't have to come to a GoFundMe page, but after this last ICU visit (where he is as I write this), it's really necessary.  

Jim has been giving back to the community for many years as a mentor and high school lacrosse coach, Steffanie has worked at the same preschool forever (she is a caretaker by nature) and even Asher, their oldest son gives back by being a volunteer firefighter. Bryce, their youngest is also on track to becoming a volunteer firefighter, and both boys have had to learn to go about their days without the help of their parents.  If you can contribute at all, fantastic if you can't please keep them in your thoughts as the treatment may have ended, but the real journey of healing has just begun. Tonight, he is in ICU, stable, hoping to be home soon. Thank you, and please share this with those you know would like to help Jim and his family in a time of need.   
Thank you!