Support Neil's Fight Against Cancer

TO NEIL’S FRIENDS, FAMILY, & SUPPORTERS:

This GoFundMe was created by a group of Neil's childhood friends, in hopes of easing the emotional toll from the financial burden he will be experiencing as a result of his recent cancer diagnosis.

We know Neil as a gentle, loving, creative, and unique human. His considerable pride made it difficult for us to finally convince him to start this fundraising effort on his behalf...

His encyclopedic musical knowledge and love of all things nostalgic, retro, and pop-culture related is only outweighed by the pride he feels for his hometown Quincy roots, his upbringing, and fierce love for his friends, family, and beloved dog, Tommy.

Life has not always been easy for Neil, but his ability to look toward the bright side of things and carry on has always been an inspiration - now more than ever!

Neil will need support financially, emotionally, and physically. One of his greatest concerns is caring for his dog, so we hope to provide help with dog walking, supplies, etc.

We're anticipating that treatment will make it difficult for Neil to remain steadily employed through the process, so he’ll need help with monthly expenses, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.

We're extremely optimistic—and so is Neil.

But he needs our help.

Please consider a contribution in any way you’re able... even if just a small amount.

Every little bit counts.

Lotsa Helping Hands site, where you can create a quick FREE account, and join Neil's community to stay in the loop, get calendar updates, and find different ways to help!

https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/request/hearts-and-hands-for-neil/select-email

Thank you for your support, and please help spread the word via text, email, and social media.

❤️ - John, Scott, Melissa, Kathleen, & Beth

A MESSAGE FROM NEIL:

What started as a seemingly harmless sore throat turned very bad, very quickly.

Several months of on-and-off sore throat, scratchiness, and swelling prompted a chain of medical appointments...

It started with my PCP who tested for Strep and other potential infections and prescribed antibiotics.

That same day, I saw my dentist to rule out any dental/jaw issues. I was then referred to an oral surgeon to rule out some sort of abscess.

A biopsy of the back of my tongue is when my cancer journey began…

I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma due to a large tumor in my neck that has spread to my throat, jawbone, tongue, and nasal cavity.

After multiple visits to nutritionists, social workers, swallowing therapists, and two oncologists, it was determined that because the tumor is so intrusive, surgery would be far too dangerous.

In lieu of surgery, it was determined that intensive radiation and chemotherapy would be the best way to combat the cancer.

The treatment process will be seven weeks: Five days a week of radiation - and one day a week of chemotherapy.

The immediate effects of the tumor include severe pain, limited ability to swallow, and difficulty speaking. (Treatment will most certainly exacerbate these symptoms.)

Unfortunately, the treatment process will make it impossible for me to work. As a private contractor, I’m not eligible for paid time off, so I anticipate needing financial help to keep up with basic living expenses and care for my dog, Tommy.