Joseph Pignati

In 2015 Joe was diagnosed with PSC, an autoimmune disease that attacks the bile ducts to the liver.  PSC patients have an increased chance of cancer. In late July of this year after completing his annual testing Joe was diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer.  We are fortunate that they caught the cancer in Stage 1, but it is an extremely aggressive cancer. UCSF referred Joe to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona for treatment.  The Mayo Clinic has told us that Joe needs to undergo 3 to 4 weeks of radiation and chemo twice a day followed by a Liver Transplant in order to beat the cancer. The doctors have told us that Joe's chances of getting a liver transplant are much better if we relocate to Arizona for the next 3-6 months. 

The Mayo Clinic is planning on starting radiation and chemo on as soon as possible.  We have rented a house in Arizona close to the clinic and will be bringing the kids with us after we have had a chance to get the house ready for them. 

We have created this campaign to help with relocation costs , medical bills (including long term medication) and possible recurrence. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.

Please visit Joe's CaringBridge website to stay up to date on how he is doing throughout treatment: www.caringbridge.org/visit/josephpignati