Jack Mahaffey Memorial Fund

My name is Cathie, I am Jack Mahaffey's daughter and am starting this campaign for my Dad.   

Those who know my Dad describe him as a hard-working man dedicated to his family,  his community, and his country.  He served his country in the US Air Force both overseas and in Finland, MN where he met my Mom.  He then worked for Western Union for many years.   He served his community as a volunteer firefighter, then Deputy Chief for Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire for more than 20 years.  He retired from Lowes in Blaine after working in their electrical department for many years.

As many of you know, he has been fighting a rare form of melanoma, a mucosal melanoma.  This is a very aggressive and difficult to treat cancer.  Since May of this year, the cancer has spread to his spine, both lungs, and his liver.  He recently underwent surgery to take pressure off of his spinal cord caused by tumor.  The pressure on the spinal cord resulted in him feeling numb from the waist down.  While able to move his legs/feet, he is unable to stand or walk without help.  He is currently in a transitional care/rehab facility doing PT and OT.  His goal, our goal, is for him to return home but he will need to be able to safely transfer to/from a wheelchair/car/bed etc.  He will also be starting palliative radiation to some of the tumors this week to prevent them from causing him any pain.

I started this campaign to help with medical expenses not covered by medicare and insurance.  Donations will be used for expenses we know about now, expenses we anticipate in the coming months, and anything he needs in the coming months.

Thank you for thinking of my Dad, for the many prayers and good wishes, and for any gifts.