Aloha everyone,

Six months ago, our world changed when my sister Jillian was diagnosed with Stage II ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma with mucinous features. Thanks to your incredible generosity, she was able to undergo a major thoracic surgery — the removal of an entire lobe of her right lung along with surrounding lymph nodes and damaged nerves — and focus on the long, difficult early stages of recovery. We cannot thank you enough — your donations covered her rent, utilities, transportation to medical appointments, prescriptions she needed right away, and basic needs during those first few critical months.

At the start, we and her doctors were hopeful that a 3-month recovery window would see her back at work. However, the reality of this rare and aggressive form of cancer has proven much more difficult. Jillian is facing a longer and more challenging recovery than anyone anticipated.

Where we are now:

It has now been five months since surgery, and Jillian is still not medically cleared to return to work. Recovery from this type of surgery can be complex, and it may take additional months before she regains the strength and capacity needed for a normal routine. Pain management has been one of the most difficult parts of this process, and she is working closely with the palliative care team at Temple University Hospital, who have been helping her navigate these challenges and find some comfort. As many of you know, she currently has no income, and the stress of maintaining a household while trying to heal is a burden no one should have to carry alone.

Our request:

We know we’ve had to ask for help more than once throughout this journey, and we don’t take that lightly. Our goal is to be transparent with the community that has already supported Jillian so generously. We are hoping to raise additional funds to help cover her rent, utilities, transportation to medical appointments, and the essential day-to-day expenses she cannot meet while she remains unable to work.

If you are able to contribute again, please know that no amount is too small. If you aren't in a position to give, simply sharing this link with your network would mean the world to us. Thank you for the love, the prayers, and for sticking with Jillian through this longer-than-expected journey. We love you all.

Adam Ryan