Our dad needs advanced cancer treatment (CAR-T)

Hi, my name is Maggie Murphy and I am fundraising on behalf of my family for my dad, Joe Murphy.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Joe was diagnosed with Stage 3 diffuse B-cell lymphoma in November 2022 (the third member of our immediate family with a cancer diagnosis in the past five years!). Since then, he has gone through six rounds of chemo. Unfortunately, his most recent PET scans have confirmed that these chemo treatments were not sufficient to put his cancer in remission, and he still has a significant tumor on his spleen. His doctors believe he is a candidate for a new treatment that involves an infusion of genetically-modified T-cells, called CAR-T therapy. While the treatment became FDA-approved in 2022 and (we hope) will largely be covered by insurance, my parents will need to travel from Savannah, GA to New York City and stay there for the month-long treatment process. In the meantime, his existing medical bills are starting to pile up.

About My Dad and Why We Need Your Help

My dad Joe is a loving husband, father, brother, and son. He is funny, creative, generous, and kind--adored by a family that includes his wife, four daughters, three sons-in-law, four grandchildren, two dogs, five brothers and sisters, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, a gaggle of nieces and nephews, and a 91-year-old mother. He is an avid photographer and loves the beach, playing the guitar, and working in the garden.

However, like many working Americans, my parents have little savings and cover their living expenses paycheck-to-paycheck. In order to receive CAR-T therapy, my dad may need to take unpaid leave from his job at a small company that generously supported him while he worked through chemo. Our fundraising goal thus reflects ongoing medical costs, travel and logistical expenses, and crucially, lost income during unpaid medical leave.

Thank You So Much

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact on my dad's journey towards remission. Knowing that we have a strong community rallying behind us, cheering my dad on, and sending well-wishes, will uplift our spirits and give us the strength to face the challenges that lie ahead. And, even if you are unable to contribute financially, your words of encouragement, prayers, and positive thoughts mean the world to us.