
Help Paul in His Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
Hey there,
In 2019, I survived a stroke and miraculously regained full use of my right arm—a lifeline for a designer like me. So when a bad cough struck in December 2022, I brushed it off. Big mistake. That cough morphed into pneumonia, leading to fluid in my lungs. An ER visit in early February 2023 revealed the severity: a liter and a half of fluid drained from my lung. Then came the bombshell—a CT scan showing I needed to see an oncologist, fast. By March 27, 2023, I was told I had stage 4 cancer, metastasized throughout my body.
Despite the diagnosis, I threw myself into a major project that consumed me for six months. Working in the live events industry as a freelancer, I couldn't let my client or team down. But as I soldiered on, my body faltered. I lost sight in my right eye (my vision plummeted to 20/200), and by September, my back gave out due to a severely herniated disc.
The latter half of 2023 was a blur of seven surgeries, countless doctor visits, blood tests, and scans. Eye surgery restored my vision, and an emergency microdiscectomy relieved my back pain. I began my monthly chemo treatments—my "liquid sunshine." Friends stepped in to help, but I mostly faced this journey alone, stubbornly refusing to ask for assistance.
Now, it's May 2024. The last two chemo rounds hit me hard, leaving me overwhelmingly fatigued. I haven't worked since August and have focused solely on surviving and caring for myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I'm in the early stages of remission. While there's no cure for my cancer, there's hope in remission. Even with medical insurance, the bills have piled up, and I've exhausted my savings. With no project work in sight, I need help to pay off these bills and support daily household utilities as I strive to regain my footing. Trust me, I'd much rather be working.
I've faced many challenges, but this cancer journey has humbled me in ways I never imagined. Asking for help is hard, but I've realized I can't do this alone. Those who know me understand the other life challenges I've faced, living life to the fullest. I'm focused on building a stronger, better version of myself, aiming to be a role model for my young son.
I'm optimistic for the future and eager to return to the creative environment I love. I'm looking for opportunities to collaborate, contribute, and explore the art of the possible. If you know of any projects or jobs, please send them my way.
Please help me get back on my feet—no amount is too small. Your support will create a ripple effect, making a real difference in my journey forward.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
Paul
Organizer
Paul Hammond
Organizer
Smyrna, GA