Ride with Johnny to Cancer Recovery
Donation protected
If you know me, you have at some point or another heard about or have had the pleasure of meeting my Uncle Johnny. My crazy protective Uncle Johnny, the guy I can call if my car breaks down, if my faucet is leaking, if I need help moving, if I need advice, if I want or need to go on a ride, if I need anything at all he's the guy. He isn't just that guy for me though because he would be that guy for you too. Johnny is the guy everyone has always been able to count on no questions asked, he's there... it's who he is.
But now he needs us.
In May of 2017 Johnny was was suffering with intense ear pain, throat pain and extreme dizzy spells. In and out of Dr's, ER's, Urgent Care facilities with no relief or answers. His was misdiagnosed on numerous occasions with vertigo. One doctor blamed the symptoms on dental issues so he went to the dentist and got work done, still no relief. This went on for an ENTIRE YEAR. Finally he went into Central Dupage Hospital demanding answers... real answers. They did a CT scan and found a large mass in his throat.
In May of this year, 2018, a year from when this all started Johnny was finally given a correct diagnosis... Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. In other words Cancer of the Tonsil/Throat... Stage 4.
After meeting with a team of oncologists and coming up with a 'plan of attack' Johnny started aggressive treatments to fight this cancer. On June 4th he started daily radiation which went on for 11 weeks with chemotherapy for hours a day every other week. Because of the pain and swelling of the tongue and throat he is unable to eat so he has a feeding tube in order to get the nutrients his body needs. He is unable to drive (unfortunately that means he was also unable to ride this riding season, though he already has his mind set on spring and hitting the road again). J
Since the first round of radiation and chemo he’s hit some bumps in the road including multiple hospitalizations in the ICU. Though at the moment his body is weak his mind is STRONG and he is fighting hard every single day against this cancer. Unfortunately because of the circumstances he has been unable to work since his diagnosis so it has created financial hardship to say the least. We have done everything we can in order to minimize his bills including moving him out of his own home and living with family but the medical bills are growing by the day.
My Uncle Johnny has been a hard worker his entire life and never hesitated to help out someone in need so now it's our turn to return the favor. I would love nothing more than for him to be able to focus on his health and getting better and not have to worry about the financial burden that cancer can be.
Any amount helps... so for those who donate thank you so much. If you can’t donate please share – it’s all greatly appreciated. I will be posting updates going forward so everyone can stay up to date on his progress. Thank you all for reading and God Bless.
But now he needs us.
In May of 2017 Johnny was was suffering with intense ear pain, throat pain and extreme dizzy spells. In and out of Dr's, ER's, Urgent Care facilities with no relief or answers. His was misdiagnosed on numerous occasions with vertigo. One doctor blamed the symptoms on dental issues so he went to the dentist and got work done, still no relief. This went on for an ENTIRE YEAR. Finally he went into Central Dupage Hospital demanding answers... real answers. They did a CT scan and found a large mass in his throat.
In May of this year, 2018, a year from when this all started Johnny was finally given a correct diagnosis... Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. In other words Cancer of the Tonsil/Throat... Stage 4.
After meeting with a team of oncologists and coming up with a 'plan of attack' Johnny started aggressive treatments to fight this cancer. On June 4th he started daily radiation which went on for 11 weeks with chemotherapy for hours a day every other week. Because of the pain and swelling of the tongue and throat he is unable to eat so he has a feeding tube in order to get the nutrients his body needs. He is unable to drive (unfortunately that means he was also unable to ride this riding season, though he already has his mind set on spring and hitting the road again). J
Since the first round of radiation and chemo he’s hit some bumps in the road including multiple hospitalizations in the ICU. Though at the moment his body is weak his mind is STRONG and he is fighting hard every single day against this cancer. Unfortunately because of the circumstances he has been unable to work since his diagnosis so it has created financial hardship to say the least. We have done everything we can in order to minimize his bills including moving him out of his own home and living with family but the medical bills are growing by the day.
My Uncle Johnny has been a hard worker his entire life and never hesitated to help out someone in need so now it's our turn to return the favor. I would love nothing more than for him to be able to focus on his health and getting better and not have to worry about the financial burden that cancer can be.
Any amount helps... so for those who donate thank you so much. If you can’t donate please share – it’s all greatly appreciated. I will be posting updates going forward so everyone can stay up to date on his progress. Thank you all for reading and God Bless.
Organizer
Samantha Gillespie
Organizer
Elmhurst, IL
