Help Jared Beat Cancer!

Hello!

If you are reading this, then chances are you know Jared Armstrong and his battle with stage IV colon cancer. For those who don't, thank you for stopping by! Below is a summary of Jared's story and also his current needs.

Jared was diagnosed with colon cancer on August 26, 2022. (Of all days this was his mom's birthday, who he lost to cancer 7 years earlier). At 35, a cancer diagnosis was a big shock, but also made sense considering digestive issues he was having.

However, it was clear this was a time for faith, for hope, and for fighting. Immediately, dietary changes were made and an attempt to bolster his immune system ensued before the surgery that was discussed and was hopefully to take place soon.

Unfortunately, the next CT scan showed that the lesion in the liver (the stage IV marker) had not only grown but that two others had appeared. Surgery was off the table--at least for now. The next step was to discuss chemotherapy options with the oncolgist.

With the encouragement of his supportive oncologist, Jared began seeking an integrative oncologist to help with prescriptions and complimentary treatments to boost the effectiveness of the chemo and also mitigate the nasty side effects that often come with treatment. He now has two awesome professionals on his team who are on the same page as far as treatment. Not always the case!

This part of the story brings us up to speed. Jared is currently on an oral chemotherapy regimen and is also pursuing the recommended complimentary treatments. Currently, he is overall doing well (all things considered) and is tolerating the treatments! But unfortunately, as everyone knows, nothing in the medical world is cheap-- and particularly when it comes to treating cancer!

This is where Jared needs your help. He is currently disabled (hopefully not for too long : ) ) as deemed by the Social Security Administration, but unfortunately there is a five month waiting period for any benefits (and they are expected to cover rent and little else). Formerly, he was self-employed in the appliance repair industry and for that reason, has no unemployment eligibility. On top of everything he also currently has 50k+ in medical debt (hopefully this will be resolved in the future).

On a good note, he was determined eligible for EBT benefits and has also been connected with local food banks, which has helped as far as grocery needs. However, the biggest needs remain in the form of treatment, rent, and other bills. (The good news is the chemo is mostly covered by the cancer center!)

Below is a breakdown of things needed:

• Rent: $885/mo

• Electric: $85-140 (winter mos.)

• Car payment $512/mo

• Phone: $25/mo

• WiFi: $55/mo

• Gas: $200-300/mo (rough est.; mainly for appts., incl. in ATL)

• Auto ins: $235/mo

Ongoing treatment costs (approx.):

• High dose vitamin C IV infusions: $400-1500/wk (Ideally these are given up to 3x/wk but obviously only if one can afford it! They also include other things that work with Vitamin C)

• Vitamins, supplements, healthier foods needed for chemo/immune system support: $200-300/mo (again, this is approx and under ideal circumstances)

• Follow up doctor visits: $300-345/6-8 wks

Upcoming treatment costs:

• $356.25 for Vitamin C IV in Roswell on 3/16

Thank you for taking the time to read Jared's story and for considering how you might be able to help. Please know that there is no donation too small and EVERY contribution helps in the costly and ongoing battle against such a ruthless and relentless disease.

BUT! Cancer CAN be overcome! Jared fully believes this and is keeping an optimistic attitude as he fights for his life and puts his trust in a God that has carried him through so much before and has promised to never leave him nor forsake him.

May God bless you in return for your kindness and generosity : )

*For those interested, there is also an option of donating to a dedicated bank account or Venmo for convenience and to avoid transaction fees. Reach out to this campaign (or to Jared himself) for more info