Hello, my name is Kirk. I am the father of 3 beautiful children and member of an incredibly loving and supportive family.
In August of 2023 I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer which had metastasized throughout my liver and body. I was given 9 months to live without chemotherapy. Statistics for critical conditions, like mine, suggested that IF my body accepted chemo treatments, life expectancy was about 3 years. Due to the spread of cancer, surgery was not an option.
The side effects of chemo and radiation treatments scared me. But I learned that advanced science, technology, and medical research gave hope to improved and optimal outcomes. I chose to start chemo and became a case study to help further research and development. I also became part of a family of cancer patients, each of us fighting our own personal battles to conquer cancer and live!
I had undergone state-of-the-art tests, exams, processes, and procedures. Astonishingly, I became a candidate for surgery! In April of 2024 I had undergone (a 13-hour) surgery and agreed to have an HAI (hepatic artery infusion) pump implanted, infusing medicine directly into my liver. My journey has been incredibly arduous, but with much progress and optimism; however, there’s been a very recent discovery that will soon necessitate yet another specialized procedure and essential surgery.
I resisted coming to fundraiser because I’m a private person and do not like sharing my personal situation with others, even family. Also, I do not like asking for help. But my personal reality is that I’ve lost a lot of income due to treatments, procedures, and long periods of side effects recovery. Additionally, medical bills and the basic necessities in caring for myself and family had forced me to use credit and to take on personal loans to make it month-to-month.
I have more to accomplish for myself and for the benefit of others as I continue to be a case study on my medical facility’s Tumor Board — an extensive networking platform with physicians and specialists helping patients with various types of cancer. My aim is to overcome the seemingly impossible — to conquer cancer, to live many long years, and to help make a positive difference through my personal case study contributions!
I need to raise $65K to clear debt incurred from loss of income, medical expenses for cancer treatments and procedures, and to cover eminent related expenses in the coming months. My mission is not yet over.
Your kind donation, however small, combined with the support of others would truly help me overcome the financial burdens overshadowing me in this unexpected life changing reality. I know the goal is high, but it is an honest need. Such relief will bring peace of mind and spirit and help in supporting the more optimum outcome of this journey for myself and others.
Thank you! — Kirk
