Hi. My name is Jim Votano and this photo is of my wife of 51 years, Carol.

2 and a half years ago, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. This photo was taken after she underwent almost a year of chemo and radiation therapy. She's ringing the completion bell in the radiation lab after being told she was in remission.

That joy didn't last, as a few months later she was told that a follow-up scan detected that her tumor was growing and another tumor was found. She was quickly scheduled for a partial removal of her left lung. They removed 25% of her upper left lobe. They were not able to remove part of the tumor that is next to her spinal cord as there was a chance of spinal complications and possibly paralysis. More localized chemo and radiation therapy was ordered, and it appears that the cancer is halted for the time being. She will continue monitoring the area every 3 months to keep checking on her progress.

All of this has had a devastating impact on our retirement funds and savings; we have expended everything to cover hospital, doctors, labs, and never-ending prescription medication.

Now the bad news. I have had an ongoing issue with my breathing... shortness of breath and easily fatigued after any exertion. What I have been treated for is exacerbation due to COPD and asthma. What they recently discovered is that I have 2 calcified valves in my heart that are allowing fluid to build up in my lungs, and that causes a diminished impact on my ability to oxygenate my blood. I need my aortic valve and mitral valves replaced. If it was just the aortic valve, it could be done through an artery, but since it is 2 valves, it requires open-heart surgery. I am scheduled for the 29th of September.

I am 71 years old and this surgery is risky, but I am not left with any viable options.

We are financially drained and looking at a mountain of new medical bills.

Any amount that you can provide will be greatly appreciated and will help keep us in our home during my recovery. Please find it in your heart to help us during this period of financial hardship.