On May 21st, our brother John Michael (JM) was sent to the ER for a CT scan after anomalies were detected in his bloodwork. Two tumors were discovered in his endocrine system. He has been in the hospital since; has undergone one surgery; and is awaiting several diagnostic procedures to outline a treatment plan.

We his family are setting up this GoFundMe to provide JM and his wife Rubi financial assistance and some peace of mind as they face down a stressful road of cancer diagnosis and care. JM is receiving care in Charlotte, about an hour away from their home. He and Rubi both will exhaust their paid time off after 2 weeks, after which JM will be eligible for 12 weeks of 50% pay. Rubi can only take unpaid medical leave, so she is looking into options to reduce her hours so she can continue to support JM.

Unexpected medical bills are a burden to most of us, a burden compounded by lost wages, travel expenses, and other disruptions to routine. Any donations will go towards medical care, and daily finances, to allow JM and Rubi to focus on one task: getting better. We hope we can ease some of their stress around the financial burden of getting well, and let them focus on that.