Pat & Jess: Cancer, Baby & TX Oh My
See below for Pat and Jess's original story. Recently, Patrick lost his battle with cancer, leaving Jess and their new baby with many expenses for which we are seeking additional funds. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
On behalf of Pat and Jess, we are asking you to provide financial support along with your prayers/good thoughts to help with Pat's on-going cancer treatments and Jess's now on-going hospitalization and birth expenses.
Some of you may have contributed to an initial GoFundMe for Patrick, but since then, many things have continued to make things challenging for Pat and Jess and we want to help! Here is their story:
Patrick was diagnosed last Christmastime with a rare form of cancer of the appendix. He is at stage 4 and receiving on-going chemotherapy treatments along with exploring other options. He has been seen and treated at the U of M and Mayo with mixed results. Pat is a Veteran having served 2 tours in Iraq and is upbeat and determined in spite of weight and strength issues, medical tests, treatments, and a continuing hunt for information and help. He's using this time to take classes and be with Jess, family and friends.
This past spring, Patrick and Jessica had the happy news that they are pregnant! They are expecting a baby boy and very glad to be awaiting that joyful addition. Jess has been busy working, supporting Pat, updating family and friends and keeping a great attitude.
Patrick was blessed with a chance to go to MD Anderson in Texas (a hospital specializing in cancer research and treatment) for further evaluation and to see what other options might be available. Chemo will continue and he is applying for a trial program as well. During this trip in August, Jess's water broke and she had to be admitted to Texas Children't Hospital to keep the baby where he is for as long as possible. This means that Patrick and Jess are unable to return to Minnesota for now. Pat is staying in Jess's room and Jess's mother was able to fly down to stay with them during this difficult time.
As you can imagine, the on-going cancer treatments, tests, hospitalization, out-of-network insurance costs, travel expenses and daily expenses in Texas are adding up. We ask family, friends and anyone who is moved by their story to help Pat and Jess in any way you can. Any size donation will help!
Pat and Jess don't like to ask for help and are so very grateful for the prayers, support messages, phone calls and past donations. They believe that everything happens for a reason and are doing their best to take things as they come!
Please share this GoFundMe with family and friends via email and Facebook if you are able to help spread the word. We will be truly grateful! Erin O'Leary, Patrick's Aunt, on behalf of the family
