Support Joel In His Battle With Terminal Cancer

Hello. Joel is a loving and supportive husband to his wife, Carol, and is the most wonderful dad to me, my two brothers, and my sister. Joel is 56 years old and has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and a timeline of 6-18 months to live.

In January 2024, Joel was admitted to Duke Raleigh with a chest X-ray showing a mass on his left lung. After running more tests, our worst scenario turned to reality when doctors confirmed it was stage 3 lung cancer. The tumor was confirmed to be the size of a kiwi. Joel was able to complete 4 rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor on his left lung so they could perform surgery to safely remove his lung and prevent the cancer from spreading. The second treatment of chemo caused Joel to pass out in front of the doctors while administering the medication. He also experienced hair loss and is still experiencing extreme fatigue and peripheral neuropathy in his feet.

His left lung was removed on June 28th, 2024. After his follow-up scan, he was cleared of cancer but continued facing the dreadful long-term side effects from the treatments.

On February 4th, 2025, Joel had a biopsy on his right and only lung after a CT and PET scan confirmed traces of cancer. On February 27th, 2025, he had another PET scan. The results not only showed cancer on his right lung but confirmed the cancer cells were metastatic from his left lung where they performed the surgery. This scan showed a big mass of cancer cells in the chest at the post of where his left lung should be. This is also where they cut him to perform surgery to remove the lung. Cancer cells are also present in his lymph nodes in his neck and in his back area.

Joel starts radiation on March 7 to help alleviate pain. He will then start chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Joel is self-employed and runs his own irrigation company. Since being diagnosed, it has been extremely difficult for him to perform the physically demanding labor his work entails. Joel has always been a hard worker and the provider for his family.

Joel does not have insurance and as his medical expenses continue to increase, he is doing everything he can to be able to pay his other liabilities every month, including groceries. This has been difficult physically, emotionally, and financially for him and his family.

I am asking for your support for my dad as we get through this as a family. No donation is too small and is greatly appreciated.