Marc's Battle with Cancer Fund

Hey everyone, my name is Marc Simyak and I am a 38 year old lover of life. I've been told I'm funny, sassy, good-natured, caring, empathetic, quick-witted, open-minded, carefree, loving and very appreciative of life. At the beginning of 2016, I was living a normal, productive life and so excited for the year ahead of me. I was celebrating such things like finishing my education, my nephew Marshall's 1st Birthday, and my Dad's offical retirement. These memorable occasions were definitely the finer moments in life. Little did I know that my life, my health, and my world were about to be flipped upside down.

Many people ask me, how did this whole situation all begin? In January of this past year, I was having some digestive issues. At first, I thought it was just the typical growing pains, eating the wrong foods, or a stomach bug. After taking some over the counter medications that did not work, I decided to visit my Primary Care Physician who was concerned. He ordered a CT scan of my abdomen and the results had shown some sort of mass or tumor in my recto-sigmoid colon.  I was then referred to a Gastro-intestinal Doctor who had ordered a colonscopy. During the colonscopy, the GI doctor biopsied a part of the tumor.

I will never forget those words "You have stage 4 colorectal cancer" on March 3rd, 2016. I was at my follow up appointment with the GI doctor with my Dad when I had heard those life-changing words. My Dad of all people. Let me explain...he had lost his Father, his Brother, and his Mom all within the past 2 years. He hid it well, but I'm sure this was the last thing he ever wanted to hear: now his oldest Son was sick. 

From this point forward, I began the most difficult journey I have ever been on.  I got to know my Oncologist, his staff, and Nurses very well. He said "the next year of your life will be the most difficult., but we'll get through it." I have had multiple CT Scans, multiple MRIs, mulitple PET scans, and many other procedures that aren't exactly comfortable. I also had a chemotherapy port installed under my right clavicle so that I wouldn't have to have my chemo injections done through my arm veins (for fear of collasping).

My treatment plan since last March consisted of the following:
1- Chemotherapy
2- Radiation 
3- Surgeries (There will be 2)
4- Final Chemotherapy
I am currently at step 3, and my first surgery is Friday, 12/2. This will be the most difficult and challenging of all the steps, both physically AND mentally.  After I am healed from the surgeries, I will then begin my last rounds of chemotherapy. Hopefully, when that is completed, I can be pronounced "Cancer free".

My purpose of starting this GoFundMe account was to create awareness about my health through updates on my treatments and progress.  Regretfully, I will not be able to work for at least 2 months due to the nature of the first surgery and the recovery time involved. I am hoping by starting this account, it will help ease the financial burden by missing so much work. My goal is set to raise money that will assist me with my health and medical bills. We all know that even with insurance, healthcare costs can accumulate over time, especially with someone battling Cancer. 

After reading my GoFundMe page and you are considering donating, please remember that no donation is too small and anything is very much appreciated. 

I want to thank everyone in my life for their kindness, love and phenomenal support throughout my Cancer journey. The good in people really shines in someones' time of need. I am so blessed to have such amazing family, friends, and coworkers by my side. I especially want to thank my Partner Angelo, my Parents David and Janice, my Brother Matt and his wife Kayla, my niece Lexie and nephews Marshall and Graysen for being the best support system anyone could ask for! YOU ALL are the reason to keep fighting! Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my page.  #SIMYAKSTRONG