On a pleasant September day in 2022, my husband Michael and I were out enjoying a meal with some dear friends when I got the kind of message you least expect -- My sister Marjorie was telling me that her husband Jeff had just been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

As tough as that news was to hear, we never imagined that three and a half years later, we’d be here.

They have faced an incredibly difficult journey over those three and a half years, through treatment and complications. Over the course of his treatment, Jeff has endured 24 rounds of chemotherapy, 30 radiation treatments coupled with chemo, 40 sessions of daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy, multiple hospital stays, two ICU stays, and several surgeries, three of which were major ― including one involving a truly, immediately life-threating complication. Throughout all of this, Jeff has shown remarkable strength.

Things had recently been looking up, as Jeff’s long course of treatment had shown very positive results, and he was off chemo and radiation and gradually getting healthier and stronger.

Unfortunately, things have just taken another turn, as they have just gotten the news that the cancer has spread to his liver.

Jeff is now facing another six months of chemotherapy.

Already, because of the cancer and the overwhelming treatment, Jeff had to give up his job and (after many months of red tape) eventually received an official determination of permanent disability, because he is simply unable to work. This has, of course, drastically reduced their income. The ongoing cost of treatment over the 3.5 years so far has put a tremendous financial strain on them, leaving them both seriously underinsured as well. And now they are facing even more additional medical expenses.

They have done everything they can to stay afloat this far, but the monthly bills don’t stop just because you are in the cancer fight of your life, and now they are even at risk of losing their home.

Throughout it all, Jeff has faced this whole ordeal with optimism and even-tempered perseverance, somehow maintaining his sense of humor, and, characteristically, making friends with all of the hospital and treatment staff he interacts with along the way. Over the years, Jeff has always been there for me at a moment’s notice whenever I needed him, and the help he’s provided to me, Michael & me, my family, has always been from the heart.

Meanwhile, by his side, my sister Marjorie has continued working while being Jeff’s loving companion, medical advocate, and thoughtful caregiver, with all that that entails. Jeff’s medical challenges, the financial strain, the stress of unknowns and uncertainty – this all has an enormous emotional impact on both of them, too.

I created this fundraiser to ease the financial burden they are carrying, which also makes for maybe a little less anxiety during a period that is almost all anxiety. Contributions will go toward medical expenses and helping ensure their financial stability while they are navigating this incredibly difficult time.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this would mean so much, too.

Also, March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Spread the word about cancer screenings and please, always do everything you can to put pressure on our government to always increase funding for cancer research and treatment!

Thank you so much for your kindness and support.