Jody is the cook at the bar where I work, and he’s not just a coworker—he’s a friend to so many of us. Recently, Jody faced one of the toughest battles of his life: he beat cancer. Just as we were celebrating this victory, he experienced severe breathing complications and had to undergo an emergency tracheostomy. This unexpected turn means Jody will be off work for a while as he focuses on healing and regaining his strength.

Being out of work is tough for anyone, but especially after such a long fight with cancer. The bills and everyday living expenses don’t stop, even when life throws curveballs. That’s why, with permission from Jody’s daughter, we decided to start this GoFundMe—to help ease the financial burden so Jody can focus on his recovery without added stress.

We’re reaching out to our community and beyond for support. Anything you can give will make a difference, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser with others. Thank you for standing with Jody during this challenging time. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to him and to all of us who care about him.