Support for Papa Joe and family

Over thirty days ago, we created this fundraiser for my father Joe’s battle with cancer. We have been so overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from friends, loved ones, and strangers. From the bottom of my family's heart, thank you so much. We’ve breathed a sigh of relief that the basic necessities have been met. We have been able to make rent, cover utility bills, afford groceries and pay for excess medical costs.

My dad was diagnosed with cancer in April. On August 17th Joe was admitted to the hospital with a fever. He’d just completed his first round of chemo. He had an extremely adverse reaction to the treatment due to an enzyme deficiency. His oncologist explained it as an “overdose of chemo.” The doctors tried different things to try to get his body back in balance, but it quickly became apparent that he would not be getting better. We decided that my dad would be much more comfortable back at home and that we would cease treating his cancer. Joe and our family returned to his apartment on the 27th, and my dad’s been placed in Hospice care.

I have been so fortunate to see all the people show up and my family during this transition. Whether it’s his lifelong friends that have spent hours visiting with him, friends and loved ones that have talked with him on the phone letting him know the impact he’s had on them, or strangers that have silently sent their love through prayer. It’s all been very moving for our family and me. We have sincerely felt your love and know how important Joe is to all of you.

Since returning home, Joe is mentally and spiritually clearer than he’s ever been. He has accepted and is “ready to open the door and be with Jesus and his loved ones.” While this has been difficult for our family, we’re very fortunate to have this time together. It’s brought us all closer and strengthened our own personal faiths.

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Knowing that my dad will be passing soon, we’ve had some difficult conversations as a family about his wishes and what the future looks like for his surviving partner Vicky Zerber. She’s refrained from working to be his primary caretaker over the past months. With all the unforeseen costs this past year, financial resources are limited for her after he passes. They’ve lived off the money accrued from this fundraiser and will be out shortly.

We’d like to reach out to our community of loved ones and beyond to ask for any additional support you’d be willing to donate. Any funds we’re able to raise will continue to go to support basic living costs of my dad and step-mom. Funds will also be allocated to funeral costs and after-life expenses. Anything left will be used as a cushion for Vicky to use as she transitions, covering basic living expenses.

Again, we cannot thank you enough for the financial, physical, emotional and spiritual support that Joe and his family have received. We’ve been so fortunate and blessed.

Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser on social media and with your loved ones.

Feel free to reach out to me with any personal messages you’d like relayed to Joe or his family.

Thank you -

Ian McDonald

[email redacted]

(850) [phone redacted]