Help Andrew Beat Cancer

FATHER. HUSBAND. BROTHER. FRIEND. MASTER MASON. NURSE. PARAMEDIC.

As a first responder, Andrew Quinlan has always been there for people in their times of need-- holding a hand, providing comfort, and giving life-saving treatments and advice.

Andrew now finds himself on the other side of that stretcher or bed, beginning his battle with cancer.

Medical

Beginning: In early December Andrew noticed a swollen lymph node on his left neck. He was concerned, but believed it to be from a recent cold. When it didn’t go away, he went to the doctor, who found nodules on his thyroid.

Diagnosis: After extensive (and expensive) testing, on Feb 6 he was diagnosed with two different cancers: Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). The doctors at MD Anderson are still trying to find the source of the Metastatic SCC, which has led to more and more testing (and bills).

Treatment: Both cancers are treatable and have a high cure rate. But having both is very uncommon. And the treatment course is rough.

In addition to more scans and tests taking place every day the week of 2/12, Andrew will undergo surgery on 2/15. This is both to remove his thyroid and as a further diagnostic measure for the Metastic SCC cancer.

Then 2-3 weeks after his surgery, he will begin 7-8 weeks of intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Life Situation

As a dedicated nurse, Andrew is working this final weekend Feb 9-11 before he starts his own fight on 2/12. He will be out of work for several months as he undergoes treatment and recovers.

Unfortunately, Andrew was just shy of a year employment in the CVICU and so does not qualify for FMLA or short-term disability benefits. The state of AZ also does not have state disability benefits. So all of his time out of work will be unpaid.

Andrew also carries the medical benefits for his family through his work, which will now be an additional bill on top of all of the others the family is now dealing with. And of course, insurance doesn't cover all the expenses.

His wife (and my sister), Darlene, now the sole bread-winner, is taking care of him-- shuttling him to numerous appointments, and working as much as she can to cover everything.

As you can imagine, they are both overwhelmed.

Support

Family members have stepped up to help with support on the ground. Andrew’s son and his significant other, daughter and her fiance, in-laws, and his brother-in-laws are each splitting time to make sure someone is there over the course of treatments-- to help with the cooking, cleaning, getting to appointments, etc., and keeping Andrew in good spirits.

How Can You Help?

There are numerous ways you can support Andrew in his battle and recovery, and each is very meaningful.

Financial Support: As you can imagine, the bills are quickly piling up. Anything you can give financially to support Andrew will take some pressure off and be greatly, greatly appreciated.

Thoughts and Prayers: We are firm believers in the power of positive thought and prayer. When you think about Andrew and pray for him, please imagine him beating this and being stronger through the whole experience.

Keeping Andrew in Good Spirits: A kind word, a funny thought, just letting him know you care—these are all great medicine for the soul. And we know he will appreciate them over the coming weeks.

Your support is very meaningful and will go a long way toward helping him beat cancer.

THANK YOU, from the bottom of our hearts.