Support for Jim who is battling terminal cancer

Hello Family and Friends and all of you who may be reading this via media, thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

The phrase “living life to the fullest” takes on a whole new meaning when diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 52 (Stage IV Metastic Melanoma). In October 2022, after suffering a catastrophic brain bleed requiring emergency life-saving surgery, we received the devasting news that Jim’s life expectancy was only six to eighteen months. 

 

Jim is a wonderful man who goes by many titles. He is an incredible father to our sons, Tristan and Taryn, a Pappa who is adored by our grandchildren Dante and Mia, friend and community member, and husband and best friend of 33 years. Jim is silly, loving and kind - never hesitating to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

 

Jim’s strong will to extend his “best before date” has enabled him to push through radiation treatments as well as four difficult rounds of immunotherapy treatments. Chemotherapy was not an option, and Jim is not a candidate for surgery. It has been almost eleven months and Jim has strived to live as normal of a life as possible while enduring significant pain and serious side effects from his treatments.   He has continued to play hockey, golf, camp, fish, go the gym and enjoy the company of family and friends. Building memories with his children and grandchildren has been of utmost importance.

 

Navigating through Jim’s cancer journey has been extremely difficult physically, emotionally, and financially. Jim is no longer able to work, and I am currently on an unpaid compassionate leave. 

 

This is incredibly difficult to write, and it is extremely humbling to ask for your support. We are hoping to raise $25,000 so that we can cover the costs of medication, groceries, transportation, and daily essentials while continuing to focus on creating lasting family memories while Jim is still able to hang onto living his best possible life.

 

Many have offered kind words of concern and support. We immensely appreciate this; however, our current situation is now dire.  Our inability to cover financial obligations is significantly compounding this stressful time.

 

Our family would very much like to plan a family trip to Banff later this month. Our children would like one last trip to the mountains with Dad/Pappa. Jim’s biggest fear is that his grandchildren will not remember him, so it is of upmost importance that we are able to join them.

 

Your financial support will allow us to join the kids on this trip as well as assist with making ends meet until I am able to return to the work force.

 

All donations are welcomed, appreciated, and received with gratitude and love. We would also be very grateful if you would consider sharing this. You never know who has been touched by cancer and is ready to contribute and see someone like Jim live with it and beyond any expectations.

 

Thank you for your support