Support Kevin Zimmerman Sr.'s Fight Against Cancer

My name is Cheryl Aldrich and I have created this GoFundMe on behalf of my big brother, Kevin Zimmerman, Sr.

Nine years ago, Kevin was diagnosed with stage four malignant melanoma. It had metastasized in his lung by the time it was found. They immediately removed his upper right lobe and started an immunotherapy which Kevin did not tolerate well. The cancer progressed to his brain, and they performed Gamma Knife radiation and were successful in killing that tumor.

Since then, Kevin has continued to fight other tumors that have grown in his other lung, gall bladder, adrenal gland, and femur. Kevin and his wife, Anne, have tirelessly driven every single week from North Fort Myers to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to participate in and get treatments from multiple clinical trials in his fight against cancer. While the trials have not cured his cancer, we believe they have given him more time which brings us to today.

Kevin has been recommended for the Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, which is an innovative new cancer treatment for patients with advanced melanoma. TIL therapy is a type of cellular immunotherapy that can help his immune system kill cancer cells when other treatments have failed. This is an FDA-approved program that customizes the treatment by harvesting the tumor and developing a targeted treatment for his exact cancer. The TIL therapy has shown promising results, with response rates ranging from 25% to 50%. A 2023 study found an overall response rate of 49%, with 20% of patients experiencing complete remission. Until such time when he is ready (very specific requirements are needed) for this program, Kevin needs to continue the treatment that he is on to "just keep the cancer at bay."

Unfortunately, Kevin's insurance, nor Pfizer, who is the pharmaceutical manufacturer/supplier of this cancer medication, will no longer cover him on the current medication. Hence, this GoFundMe.

Kevin has remained positive through the nine-year roller coaster ride he has been on and continues to be a role model to so many, showing his strength and determination to beat cancer. He has selflessly agreed to participate in numerous trials in an attempt to help him get well, but also in an altruistic effort to ultimately advance options of cancer treatment that could help many, many others.

I know we all have financial burdens, but if you can find it in your heart to donate, I (and Kevin and Anne) would be most grateful.

This world continues to be a much better place with Kevin in it!