Support for Tim's Battle Against Stomach Cancer

With this fundraiser, we are asking for help for someone whose last thought in the world is to ask for it on his own. Tim is a father, a husband, an uncle, a friend. He’s a man about to embark on a most important, but uncertain, journey – a battle against stomach cancer.

Leading into the holidays, eating became an unpleasant experience for Tim. Often not hungry or full after just a few bites, everything he ate didn’t sit right and most caused him pain. Thinking it may be an ulcer, Tim went to the doctor and instead learned he had a large, cancerous tumor filling a significant portion of his stomach and concerning spots on his liver. Because of the size of the tumor, Tim has been started on oral chemotherapy in hopes the tumor will shrink enough for surgery in April or May.   

The past few years have not been kind to Tim, his wife Karen, daughter Jennifer and son Chris. Two years ago, they were displaced from their home due to a fire that made the community newspaper. It took about a year of working through insurance companies and vendors before they could go back to their restored home. Shortly thereafter, Tim lost his job due to downsizing in the company. He was able to gain custodial work for Oxford Schools, but it was at a significant pay cut. Now with his illness, the pain and his doctors’ recommendations, he had to quit working.

Though Karen is still employed, the loss of Tim’s income is a blow to the family’s finances. Chris, age 25, must go to a special school for severe autism and requires full-time supervision at home. Chris is unable to communicate verbally, nor care for himself independently. In addition to his school, Chris needs medication to help manage his mood and behavior. Jennifer lives with her parents and helps with their income, but she works limited hours to help manage Chris’s care, especially while Tim is unwell.

The family fears the possibility of mounting bills with all the added expenses and reduced income resulting from this diagnosis and are worried they could possibly lose their house.  

Any contribution you can make would be greatly appreciated to help to ease the burden on this family – especially when Tim’s number one task should be fighting for his health. Whatever is donated will help pay for Tim’s medical treatment, Chris’s care and household expenses to keep them in their home.

Thank you for any help you are able to give in this tough time, and if you are unable to give, we ask that you share this fundraiser with those you know who may be able to offer a hand.