Jeff’s Pancreatic Cancer Fund

As members of Grace Chapel in Lexington, Jeff and Sophie Bishop have dedicated their lives to their faith and their children Tim and Grace. In August of 2017 Jeffrey was laid of from work  and within weeks he was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Jeff immediately began  chemotherapy and radiation at MGH in Boston. Then, in October of 2017, Sophie was in a car accident and was out of work for 4 months with a back injury. This just added worry and distress to the family. 

In August 2018, after 8 months of chemotherapy and radiation, Jeff was given hope that with his positive reaction to treatment that surgery would be an option to remove the tumor in his pancreas.  In August he had surgery and the surgical team  removed part of his pancreas, his left adrenal gland, and his spleen. Surgery was successful  but it was short lived.  Within days Jeff was unable to eat or drink  and began  experiencing pain in his back.  Jeff was readmitted to the hospital and diagnosed with having pneumonia and fluid in his lungs.  Sadly, this fluid tested positive for cancer and the oncology team believe that it  is in other parts of his body.  Jeff began chemotherapy right away to fight against the aggressive cancer.  He is in the hospital receiving chemotherapy treatment and trying to figure out how to manage his pain. 

This news has been devastating for Jeff and his family both spiritually, emotionally and financially.
Dealing with cancer is expensive, regardless of the type of health insurance. They are incredibly thankful for the amazing generosity of family, friends, church and school and that both children are happy in school and surrounded by people who care about them. While they appreciate all of the tremendous financial support thus far,  they do not know what the future will hold for the family and debt will continue to pile up. Significant dollars have gone to co-pays, child care, deductibles, and uncovered medications. On top of that is missed work.

In addition to the medical expenses, their daughter Gracie started a new special school in September 2018 for Dyslexia. The cost of tuition is very expensive, and they will need help to make sure that she will be able to stay and finish the year.  They feel it was a huge blessing that she was accepted but it adds another major level of  financial stress.   Although they received some financial aid, unfortunately, the amount they still need to pay for the specialized education is becoming beyond the financial reach of the family.  If you can help in any way it would help them out tremendously.

As part of their caring circle, we want to provide the Bishop family a cushion to help them through this difficult time. The hope is to allow them to focus on cherishing the time they have with their family. This time should be as positive as possible rather than fretting about monthly bills and financial stress. We want to encourage them to take any time and opportunity possible to make new family memories.

As we ask for your financial assistance, we also ask that you continue to pray for peace and trust in God in this season of the unknown.  We need strength physically, emotionally, and spiritually during  treatments, and that Jeff will be HEALED! 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated large or small to help support Gracie’s educational need and Jeff’s health and healing.

God Bless You.