On August 28th, I received life-changing news: I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, along with a rapidly growing tumor. It was not the 46th birthday I ever imagined.

Just a week later, I began aggressive chemotherapy. This week I am undergoing scans and tests to understand exactly where things stand, with another big update expected Friday. Right now, the treatment plan is six months of chemo every 13 days, alongside 28 straight days of daily one-hour radiation beginning September 29th.

I feel incredibly blessed to be under the care of an amazing medical team at UCSF, even though it means a 3.5-hour drive from San Luis Obispo for each visit. However, when radiation begins, I will need to quickly and unexpectedly secure a temporary place to live in San Francisco for an entire month so I can complete treatment every day. This sudden expense has added a heavy financial strain.

At the same time, I am unable to work due to chemo. My disability benefits (EDD SDI) are delayed because of issues with international paperwork from my doctor, which means it may be weeks before any support arrives. Until then, I need urgent help to cover:

Housing in San Francisco during my month-long radiation treatment

Gas and parking for travel to UCSF

Basic bills and living expenses (including my overdue storage unit bill and car loan)

Everyday essentials that quickly add up when fighting cancer

I never imagined being in this position, but cancer leaves little choice but to ask for help. This support will give me the breathing room I need to focus on healing instead of worrying about how to survive day to day.

Right now, I feel weak, overwhelmed, and financially stretched, but also deeply determined, blessed, and focused. With your help, I can get through this difficult moment and fully commit to the fight of my life. I look forward at the days of waiting for EDD SDI to bless me but everyone of those days until then I feel needy and not good.

Any donation, big or small, makes a huge difference. Even if you cannot give, sharing this page means so much to me.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of my journey.

— Sean