My name is Malcolm. I am 51 years old and have been an Iron Worker with Chicago’s Local 1 Union for the past eighteen years. I never thought I’d be in a position to have to ask for help. For me, life has always been about hard work, surrounding myself with positivity, being a beacon of light and love, and helping others...especially my mother. I’ve been her full-time caregiver for the past four years as she is wheelchair-bound due to a rare genetic disorder called Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). I also provide for my son who has become a caregiver to both my mother and me while attending ironworker apprenticeship. We are all we have as my father passed away when I was 18, and my older brother passed away in 2010 from the same disease my mother has.

In August 2025, I was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 small cell lung cancer. As you can probably imagine, this news is so devastating. I'm young...I'm vibrant...I have so much to live for and I want to FIGHT!!! Between medical appointments, treatments, and the physical toll this illness has taken, I’ve had to face the reality that I can’t keep doing everything alone. I've been out of work since February 2025 because of the symptoms from this disease. Although I had been seeking medical attention since June 2024, they did not find the root cause until late this past August. I’m doing my best to continue supporting my mother, but with both of us unable to work and my savings completely depleted due to medical expenses, things have become extremely difficult.

Despite applying for every kind of assistance, from disability to local organizations and churches, the help is slow to come. Meanwhile, my bills and obligations continue to mount. And, right now, I could really use some help. I’m asking for your help to cover:

• My ongoing cancer treatments and medications

• Basic living expenses (rent, groceries, and utilities)

• Care for my mom, who depends on me daily

• Transportation to and from doctor appointments

As a man who has always worked hard to provide for myself, my son, and my mother, it’s incredibly hard to ask for help, but any amount—no matter how small—will make a difference. Your support will give me a chance to focus on healing while ensuring my mom remains cared for and safe.

Even if you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page with others. Every share, prayer, and kind word truly means the world to my family and me.

If you would like to reach out, please be patient with me as I learn to navigate this current circumstance. Emails are preferred.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping us through this unimaginable time.

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season...

With love and gratitude,

Malcolm Jones