Hi everyone,

My name is Emelia, and I am the eldest daughter of Jimmy Markoz. I’m creating this GoFundMe for my Baba (Dad).

It is honestly heartbreaking even having to write these words.

In July 2023, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. From that moment on, our family’s world completely changed. Since then, we have watched the strongest man we know fight through pain, fear, exhaustion, endless appointments, scans, procedures, and so much uncertainty… all while still trying to smile and stay strong for us.

My dad has always been the kind of man who puts everyone before himself. He is the heart of our family. The person who works hard every single day, makes everyone laugh, helps anyone who needs it, and carries so much on his shoulders without ever asking for anything in return.

Seeing someone you love slowly battle cancer changes you forever.

There are days my dad is in pain and still tries to act like he’s okay so we don’t worry. There are moments where you can see the exhaustion in his eyes, but he still asks everyone else if they’re okay first. Watching your dad fight for his life while trying to protect his family emotionally at the same time is something I would never wish on anyone.

After almost three years of fighting this disease, my dad will finally begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments in June 2026. His treatments will be long, physically exhausting, and emotionally draining. Doctors have explained that his treatment plan and ongoing care will continue over the next two years.

While we are incredibly grateful he is finally starting treatment, our insurance unfortunately will not cover all of the costs.

The financial burden is becoming overwhelming between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, medications, scans, specialist appointments, travel expenses, and missed work. My mom will also need to miss work at times to care for my dad after treatments and be by his side through recovery because no one should have to go through cancer alone.

Any donations raised will go directly toward my dad’s treatments, medical expenses, and any additional financial burdens our family faces during this battle so he can focus on what truly matters most…fighting this cancer, healing, and spending precious time with the people who love him.

As a daughter, there is no feeling worse than watching your dad suffer and feeling helpless. I would do absolutely anything to take this pain away from him.

If you know my dad, then you know how hard this is for us to ask. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone else without thinking twice. He has spent his entire life taking care of everyone around him. Now, he truly needs help himself.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will mean more to our family than words could ever explain. And if you cannot donate, we ask from the bottom of our hearts for prayers and shares. Sometimes even a prayer can mean everything to a family trying to hold onto hope.

We believe in God, miracles, and the power of prayer. We are praying these treatments heal my dad’s body, ease his suffering, and give us more time with the man we love so deeply.

Please keep my Baba (Dad) in your prayers as he begins the fight of his life.

Thank you for reading our story, for your kindness, and for helping our family during the most difficult chapter of our lives.

With love and gratitude,

Emelia Markoz