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Help Jimmy & Clara Keep Hope Alive

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If you are unaware of this incredible young couple, Jimmy and Clara Orr, and their personal predicament battling advanced cancer until now, you would not be alone.  As you read further and come to understand the courage and heroism of my dear friends, my hope is that it will touch your heart like it has mine.

My name is Kimball Poulson and am a good friend to Jimmy and Clara.  After watching them endure these last several months of Jimmy’s chemotherapy treatments, knowing their expenditures related to his healthcare, I felt that something needed to be done to help them.  I could no longer stand on the sidelines and watch their suffering both physically and financially.

As each day passes by, the urgency in reaching out has become serious.  Let us show them our love and support is unconditional! #keephopealivejimmyclara


The Journey of Cancer
Jimmy, with Clara by his side, has been courageously battling an advanced form of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer.  Jimmy’s largest of tumors accelerated quickly measuring at a scary size of 5.9 x 5.4 x 3.9cm and the smallest measuring at 1.1 x 0.8 x 1.8cm.

It was known to this young couple nearly immediately after the diagnosis by their doctors, that despite having already undergone major surgery (a total Thyroidectomy) and radiation, that without further rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, Jimmy’s health “would ultimately deteriorate to the point he would not make it any further than his next birthday."  At 39 years old, he’s far too young to be taken away from his dearest and loving Clara.

Severe Pain (CRPS) —
In addition to cancer, Jimmy battles a severe form of CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).  CRPS is a rare neurological disorder that is ranked among the most painful and debilitating of all medical problems.  This severe pain effects his entire left side of his body. It is unrelenting nauseating pain that is always constant.  There is absolutely no cure and treatments are limited at their effectiveness. This debilitating and nightmarish pain is always constant and never ending.

Despite all of this, Jimmy and Clara set an example by striving to live a positive life filled with laughter and love, one day at a time!


Unbelievably Dark Days —
Jimmy and Clara are being challenged beyond their years. You see, a little over a year ago, prior to finding out Jimmy had cancer, Clara had become pregnant. This happy and loving couple had been trying for nearly their entire married lives, 5 years at the time. They had never given up and we remember vividly the day they told us, tears were streaming down their eyes. These were happy tears!

After just announcing the news to family at their home, during their celebration, Clara in tears yelled for Jimmy! Taking quick action Jimmy rushed Clara to UVRMC Hospital. Weeks later, Clara miscarried, they were devastated. On that very same day, unbelievably, Jimmy received the news of the recurrent cancer. Jimmy had no choice but to divulge the dark news to Clara.

Outlooks for the future were suddenly dashed, yet they knew in their hearts they will continue to never give up while there is a little glimmer of hope.


The Financial Impacts —
Not long after the miscarriage, Jimmy had no choice but to take a heartbreaking sabbatical from his business which had recently taken off after 4 years of sacrifice and working so hard to acquire clients.  As Jimmy’s health deteriorated, fatigue and the day to day chronic pains began taking its toll making things unbearable.  Many recent days had found Jimmy sleeping 14-18 hours a day consecutively.  Sometimes it was all he could do to lift his head off the pillow due to the nasty side effects from all of his treatments and certain medications.

Clara then out of necessity, became not only the sole provider in their family, but a 24 hour caregiver too.  Medical bills are continuing to pour in as time has passed.  As each day passes by, urgency in reaching out has become serious.  The day to day healthcare expenses associated with doctors, expensive medications, and multiple rounds of chemo treatments over the last ten months are more than anyone can bear.  They have been faced with daily life and death decisions, sometimes having to ration medications while waiting for an upcoming payday.

Regarding Financial Help —
When they were approached regarding financial help with health care and living related expenses, it took nearly three weeks for them to agree to make their needed help public.  It was especially difficult to make this decision because they have always tried to do their best, to bear things themselves while having led very private lives.  It was difficult to think about being publicly out there.  It just is not their nature.  Finally, after many visits, text’s and phone calls, they have agreed to allow others to know their story and help them.

Beyond Cancer —
Once Jimmy enters remission, and is strong enough, he will face at least two major surgeries.  One of those surgeries requiring very expensive hardware from Medtronic, careful planning with his healthcare team, weeks of Hospital stay, and months of Physical Therapy.


How Your Donations Help  —

Your donation large or small will go directly to Jimmy and Clara’s bank account.  This will enable them to use desperately needed funds immediately to cover expenditures relating to the incredible rise in medication costs and health care. Additionally, your help will also go to the following:
- All medical needs including Treatments, Medications, Co-pays, Medical Bills, and Physical Therapy.
- Existing expenditures related to housing, dietary restrictions for Jimmy and ordinary living expenses.

If you are on the fence about donating, it is understandable.  This 2020 year has taken its toll on everyone, both emotionally and financially.  I would say though, that this could be your chance to do something good for someone desperately fighting for life.

Anything you are willing to donate will be graciously and thankfully accepted.  If you don’t feel like you are in a position to donate, all I ask is that you re-post or forward this on. Please join me in getting the word out to your family, friends and to your social media. I know if people are aware they will donate. It is the American way! People throughout the world are charitable . . . just look at all the good that is happening all over this planet. This situation is here and now in our own backyard and your donations will give hope to an unbelievably difficult situation being currently financially maintained only by this young couple. 

This asking, is not one I take lightly, this is extremely important. I respectfully request all who are able to financially help them with this battle. It could befall anyone, but it is happening now to them.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Thank you to Kels Goodman who filmed and produced the video.

If you would prefer to donate through Venmo, you can send directly to @claralovesjimmy.


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Donations 

  • Gregory Weirich
    • $100 
    • 6 mos
  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Melissa A Smith
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Melissa Smith
    • $500 
    • 3 yrs
  • Leila Kramer
    • $1,000 
    • 3 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Kimball Poulson
Organizer
Orem, UT
Jimmy Orr
Beneficiary

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