Help Support Jimmy Smith in His Fight Against Stage 4 Cancer

My name is Ronnie Gilmore, and I am reaching out on behalf of my niece’s husband, Jimmy Smith, who is fighting a devastating battle with Stage 4 esophageal cancer (Adenocarcinoma of the GE Junction).

Recently, the cancer spread to Jimmy’s brain. He has undergone surgery to remove a tumor that has impacted his vision, speech, comprehension, and mobility. Because the tumor involves his optic nerve and several major arteries, the neurosurgeons were unable to remove it entirely. Jimmy now faces five additional rounds of radiation to his brain as part of his ongoing treatment.

Before this, he endured 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation, fighting every step of the way.

Jimmy Smith and his wife, Katherine, are self-employed and owned a heavy equipment repair business, Smith Equipment Service. Unfortunately, Jimmy has been unable to work since January 2025, forcing them to close their business. They now have no income and no savings, as everything has gone toward medical bills, hospital stays, and the constant travel required for Jimmy’s treatments. Jimmy requires 24/7 care, and Katherine is now his full-time caregiver.

Together, Jimmy and Katherine have been blessed with five children and two grandchildren. They have also endured unimaginable heartbreak, having lost two of their children—Dylan, age 2, and Kenny, age 21. Through it all, they have remained a strong and loving family.

Due to the severity of the disease and treatment side effects, Jimmy will no longer be able to drive or return to the work he loved as a heavy equipment mechanic. His greatest hope now is simply to spend the time he has left surrounded by his wife of 28 years, his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

This fund is being created to help relieve the overwhelming financial burden they are facing—covering medical expenses, transportation, daily living costs, and allowing Katherine to continue caring for Jimmy at home.

If you are able, any amount will help ease their load during this heartbreaking time. Even if you cannot donate, sharing this page means more than you know.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support.

— Ronnie Gilmore