In December of 2017, Jimmy was diagnosed with Glioblastoma after suffering speech difficulties while working in Texas. Since that time, Jimmy has had three crainiotomies, and a clinical trial at MD Anderson. All of these have kept the cancer at bay until recently. After the last surgery, Jimmy and Ranette were told that the tumor is growing rapidly and he is now at home in hospice. We want to thank all of the friends and family who have been so generous with your time, prayers, food, money, and love. Jimmy is a blessing to many and it shows in your response in his time of need. Many thanks and much love.
Prior Go Fund Me:
In December of 2017, Jimmy began having difficulty with his speech while working in Texas. A trip to urgent care and the hospital kicked off a whirlwind of tests, emergency helicopter transports, worry, prayer, and expense. Jimmy was ultimately diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor called Glioblastoma by his amazing doctors in Lafayette and Houston. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/glioblastoma.html Jimmy had his first surgery to remove the tumor shortly after his diagnosis. His surgeon removed as much of the tumor as possible and the next 6 weeks were spent in Houston doing radiation treatment. Jimmy rocked radiation like a champ and went on to face a year of chemotherapy and MRIs every 8 weeks. In May of 2018 the MRI showed a bit of necrosis in the brain and Jimmy underwent another surgery to remove the dead tissue in hopes of relieving some headaches and speech concerns. The surgery went well and Jimmy was back at the gym in record time. He also continued his volunteer work, pestered his wife Ranette, dressed up like a fool for his grandson, Tatum, and tried to go back to work. During this time out of work, Jimmy's income has been drastically reduced and the medical bills, hotel stays, and visits to Houston have increased.
Jimmy finished his year of chemotherapy in March of 2019. His MRIs were looking great and so was he! His doctor suggested a Keto diet and Jimmy worked out as much as he could--he still looks younger than his age by at least 10 years!
Last week, Jimmy went to MD Anderson for his 8 week MRI. The doctors did not like what they see. His tumor shows growth and he was asked to return to discuss his options. Thankfully, since Jimmy is in great shape and is extremely strong mentally, he qualifies for a clinical trial: Laser Interstitial Thermotherapy (LITT) https://www.mdanderson.org/treatment-options/laser-interstitial-thermal-therapy.html followed by more chemotherapy. The LITT therapy is promising for Jimmy's recovery. A catheter is inserted into his brain and doctors guide a laser directly to the tumor. Jimmy and Ranette will be in Houston for this surgery.
The night before they were set to leave for the LITT surgery, Jimmy fell extremely ill. They thought he was having a seizure and went to the ER where they discovered he was having kidney stones! Jimmy and Ranette travelled to Houston in hopes of having the surgery. Unfortunately, the kidney stone cannot pass and is causing a blockage and infection. Jimmy will have a stent put in to help the kidney stone pass. Once he is healed from the stent surgery, they will proceed with the LITT surgery. This has been extremely stressful and exhausting for Jimmy and Ranette.
If you've ever met Jimmy, you know what a big heart he has. He has donated to every charity, adopted child, missing dog, or chicken. When he travels, he puts out food for the stray cats as he is a big animal lover. He volunteers a lot of his time helping others. He loves to offer support to those struggling with sobriety. Jimmy is also a veteran of the Navy. He and his family have been through a whirlwind this past year and a half. The repeated trips to Texas, medical expenses, and reduced income are adding up and we are humbly asking for your support. Many of you have offered prayers, food, and support and those are so appreciated. Jimmy's wife Ranette has also had to take a step back from working in order to take care of Jimmy and help with all of his appointments. This is having a financial toll on them. Any money raised will help to pay medical expenses and help to relieve some of the stress they are experiencing. Thank you for your consideration, love, prayers, and support.
Prior Go Fund Me:
In December of 2017, Jimmy began having difficulty with his speech while working in Texas. A trip to urgent care and the hospital kicked off a whirlwind of tests, emergency helicopter transports, worry, prayer, and expense. Jimmy was ultimately diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor called Glioblastoma by his amazing doctors in Lafayette and Houston. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/glioblastoma.html Jimmy had his first surgery to remove the tumor shortly after his diagnosis. His surgeon removed as much of the tumor as possible and the next 6 weeks were spent in Houston doing radiation treatment. Jimmy rocked radiation like a champ and went on to face a year of chemotherapy and MRIs every 8 weeks. In May of 2018 the MRI showed a bit of necrosis in the brain and Jimmy underwent another surgery to remove the dead tissue in hopes of relieving some headaches and speech concerns. The surgery went well and Jimmy was back at the gym in record time. He also continued his volunteer work, pestered his wife Ranette, dressed up like a fool for his grandson, Tatum, and tried to go back to work. During this time out of work, Jimmy's income has been drastically reduced and the medical bills, hotel stays, and visits to Houston have increased.
Jimmy finished his year of chemotherapy in March of 2019. His MRIs were looking great and so was he! His doctor suggested a Keto diet and Jimmy worked out as much as he could--he still looks younger than his age by at least 10 years!
Last week, Jimmy went to MD Anderson for his 8 week MRI. The doctors did not like what they see. His tumor shows growth and he was asked to return to discuss his options. Thankfully, since Jimmy is in great shape and is extremely strong mentally, he qualifies for a clinical trial: Laser Interstitial Thermotherapy (LITT) https://www.mdanderson.org/treatment-options/laser-interstitial-thermal-therapy.html followed by more chemotherapy. The LITT therapy is promising for Jimmy's recovery. A catheter is inserted into his brain and doctors guide a laser directly to the tumor. Jimmy and Ranette will be in Houston for this surgery.
The night before they were set to leave for the LITT surgery, Jimmy fell extremely ill. They thought he was having a seizure and went to the ER where they discovered he was having kidney stones! Jimmy and Ranette travelled to Houston in hopes of having the surgery. Unfortunately, the kidney stone cannot pass and is causing a blockage and infection. Jimmy will have a stent put in to help the kidney stone pass. Once he is healed from the stent surgery, they will proceed with the LITT surgery. This has been extremely stressful and exhausting for Jimmy and Ranette.
If you've ever met Jimmy, you know what a big heart he has. He has donated to every charity, adopted child, missing dog, or chicken. When he travels, he puts out food for the stray cats as he is a big animal lover. He volunteers a lot of his time helping others. He loves to offer support to those struggling with sobriety. Jimmy is also a veteran of the Navy. He and his family have been through a whirlwind this past year and a half. The repeated trips to Texas, medical expenses, and reduced income are adding up and we are humbly asking for your support. Many of you have offered prayers, food, and support and those are so appreciated. Jimmy's wife Ranette has also had to take a step back from working in order to take care of Jimmy and help with all of his appointments. This is having a financial toll on them. Any money raised will help to pay medical expenses and help to relieve some of the stress they are experiencing. Thank you for your consideration, love, prayers, and support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Ranette Buford
Beneficiary