The Burk's Cancer Journey

Hi, my name is Toni. I am Amanda’s cousin and love her and Brian beyond measure. I have watched and prayed through their cancer journey. I am simply amazed at how positive and unbelievably strong they both have been through all this.

I am setting up this gofundme to help make life a little easier for both Amanda and Brian. I have seen what a financial toll this cancer diagnosis has put on their family.

In September of 2022, Brian went to the ER for abdominal pain. He was rushed into surgery for his gallbladder. While in surgery the doctors found a suspicious spot on his pancreas. After further testing, Amanda and Brian got the devastating news that Brian has pancreatic cancer. Port placement and chemo started immediately. Doctors had a positive outlook on Brian’s chances of beating this very aggressive cancer. The plan was in place and treatment started. Chemo made Brian very sick and weak, so he is not able to work. Amanda then became financially responsible for the household. While Amanda took this responsibility on without question and was happy to do so, the medical bills racked up as you can imagine. Brian had started a new job and unfortunately, he did not get to keep his insurance. They have taken on this physically, mentally, and financially difficult situation without insurance! Cancer is expensive with insurance but without insurance, it can feel impossible.

Brian’s tumor started to shrink after 5 rounds of chemo, but the chemo was making Brian incredibly sick. Then after 8 rounds of chemo the tumor started to grow and was slowly destroying Brian’s body. He was left with two choices and neither of them was ideal. Brian and Amanda ultimately chose to stop chemo and try to live life to the fullest together while they still had time. Brian is currently in hospice and needs full-time care. He is still at home with Amanda, so she is his full-time caregiver and still works as much as possible to provide for her family. She has remained so strong through all of this and is doing her best to make sure Brian has everything he needs.

Brian went on his dream trip to Maine before he is not able. Amanda made this trip happen even though it was not in the budget. She wants him to have the best with the time he has left. While in Maine, Brian’s 81-year-old mother was able to come out for the trip. We were all so grateful she could make it. Brian would get to spend some much-needed quality time with his mother. You know the saying, when it rains it pours, well that’s what happened. Brain’s mother, Linda, fell during her stay and was rushed to the hospital and had to undergo surgery after breaking her hip. Now, Linda is in the hospital in Maine, Brian’s back at home in Asheville, NC and Amanda is left traveling between trying to take care of them both. She will need to travel back to Maine to get Linda when she can travel. Linda will be in a rehab facility until that time comes. Brian cannot be left alone so she needs to acquire help while she is away to get Linda back home.

If you can donate our entire family will be forever grateful. This money will help make the financial burden a little lighter. You will help a family that just wants to cherish the time they have left together and worry a little less about the financial strain.

Thank you for reading and if you are unable to donate, please share our story!