This is Shawn Calvey. He is a husband. His wife's name is Kelly. They have two children. His son, Landon, is five years old. His daughter, Maddie, will soon be three. This perfect and loving family lives in Brunswick, a suburb just outside of Cleveland. He is an avid golfer, a diehard Cleveland sports fan, and coaches Landon’s t-ball team. Shawn and Kelly have devoted their careers to serving others. Kelly is a nurse. Shawn has been a firefighter with the Cleveland Fire Department since 2016. Every time he starts his shift, he selflessly puts his life on the line for the people of Cleveland. On May 12, 2023, Shawn's life was put on the line for a different reason. At 36 years old, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It is a rare cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, only 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are esophageal cancer. Shawn’s particular diagnosis is extremely aggressive. The cancer is now Stage 4 and has spread to Shawn’s stomach. Ever since receiving the diagnosis, Shawn and Kelly have tirelessly searched for the ideal cancer treatment center. They were introduced to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. MD Anderson is one of the top cancer centers in the country. Shawn and Kelly have flown to Houston for additional testing. Shawn will likely receive chemotherapy. There are additional treatment options to supplement the chemo, such as immunotherapy and clinical trials. As Shawn undergoes the additional testing at MD Anderson, the family is evaluating the options to determine what is best for Shawn. They are also exploring the use of holistic medicine. In short, every option is on the table. But while some of the treatment may be covered by their health insurance, most of it is not. Because only so many cancer centers offer the specialized treatment Shawn needs, there is a strong possibility that the family will have to relocate. They will thus be incurring extra living expenses wherever they go. For example, Shawn and Kelly will have to fly roundtrip at least once to secure housing. Housing itself will be expensive. Using Houston as an example, the median house rental is approximately $1,800 per month according to Zillow. Additionally, someone will have to drive their necessities that cannot go by plane. Life needs to be as normal as possible for Landon and Maddie. How can Landon go without his Spidey toys? How can Maddie not have her Minnie Mouse wherever she goes? On top of all these unforeseen living expenses, the Calveys own their home in Brunswick and are still responsible for the mortgage, utilities, and general upkeep. In short, they will be paying for two houses while Shawn fights the cancer. So why donate? If you already know Shawn, then no explanation is needed. But if you don’t, here is why. If one word could describe Shawn, it would be loyalty. He is loyal to his wife, children, family, friends, and fellow firefighters. He is there for people when they need him. For once, it is Shawn’s turn to need someone in the worst way. He needs support. By extension, his family needs the same help. You can help by donating. As you have read, the money is needed for so much more than cancer treatment. No treatment option should not be considered because of the cost. Every dollar given means one less dollar Shawn and Kelly have to worry about, and they need their energy directed entirely at Shawn’s treatment. Let’s do our part to make sure they can focus on winning this battle.

Pamlyn Marlowe

Jason Salupo

Anonymous

ben rossi

Kristian Koehler

Richard Abou-Jaoude

Kristen Mehall

Heather A Rudduck

Mary and Jack POWERS

Leslie Sanders

Douglas Maslar

Jane Bryan

Maureen Polifroni

Kacie Scozzafava

Debora Wiatroski

Mary Kate Day

Boris Rozenfeld

Jeffrey J Mangione

Kevin Maloney

Shawn Calvey's Fight Against Cancer

Shawn Calvey's Fight Against Cancer

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