Hi, my name is Catherine Macken, and I’m fundraising for my brother, Joseph Macken.

About 18 months ago, Joe was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his lower digestive tract. From day one, he fought it head-on, working closely with both a naturopathic physician and his oncology team. Eventually, he had to make an impossible decision: whether to move forward with chemotherapy and radiation. He did both, and while the treatments were incredibly hard on his body, the initial results gave us so much hope. For a moment, everything looked like it was in remission.

Six months later, that hope was shattered when we learned that the cancer had returned to nearly its original size. What followed was a long, exhausting, emotional year: countless appointments, second opinions, and a transfer of care to an exceptional team of specialists at UCSF. When all other options were exhausted, the doctors recommended a major operation.

On October 21st, Joseph underwent an eight-hour surgery with three surgeons and spent five days in intensive care. The most important news is that the surgery was a success, and we are endlessly grateful. That being said, there have been ongoing struggles and complications and the road to recovery is a long one.

Why We’re Asking for Help

As you can imagine, the financial impact of 18 months of treatment has been enormous. Joseph’s insurance has covered the majority of costs, and we are incredibly thankful for that. Still, the out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays, and uncovered treatments have added up to $32,000, most of which ended up on credit cards.

Joseph has not yet been able to return to work since surgery, and facing this level of debt on top of everything he has just endured is overwhelming. No one should come through a battle like this only to be burdened with years of medical debt.

How Your Support Will Be Used

Every dollar raised will go directly toward paying down the medical expenses that accumulated during Joseph’s treatment, costs not covered by insurance over the past year and a half. Any additional funds will be put towards future medical costs (scans, monitoring, etc), childcare, and cost of living.

Thank you, truly, for taking the time to read this and for any support you can give. Knowing that Joseph is surrounded by such caring friends, family, and community brings a tremendous amount of comfort during an incredibly difficult chapter. Your kindness means more than we can express.