Aid 20 Year-Old College Student Jason Beat Cancer

When the unfathomable happens, we look to our community for help. It is with a heavy heart we feel it is time to share with you some heartbreaking news.

My nephew, Jason Pho (son of my sister, Jessica, and her husband, Jin), has recently been diagnosed with cancer (Hodgkin's Lymphoma Stage 1B Bulk Unfavorable). If a person has any B symptoms, it usually means the lymphoma is more advanced, and more intensive treatment is recommended. He has just started chemotherapy treatments and the need for radiation treatment is yet to be determined.

A little over a month ago, Jason was experiencing pain in his right arm and shoulder area which later extended to his chest. He figured that it was probably muscle pain/strain from exercising. However, after a week, it didn't go away and sleeping became very uncomfortable. This is when he agreed to have it checked at Tripler Army Medical Center on O'ahu (he's a college student currently studying Unmanned Aerial Systems through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, temporarily living with his grandparents). We all assumed he would be prescribed some muscle relaxants and pain medications, then sent home. We did not expect they would order an x-ray, followed by a CT scan of which results revealed an 11cm × 6cm × 2cm mass wedged between his heart, liver, lungs, and rib cage.

Jessica and her family, who are stationed in Japan, got a call from our Dad that Jason was being admitted to PICU due to the results of the CT scan. All this while Jessica's daughter, Jasmine, was departing from Haneda Airport in Japan for a boarding school on the East Coast.

This comes as an overwhelming shock as Jason is a 20 year-old college student. As he has been extremely healthy most of his life, this has come as a shock. He is the 2nd oldest to his four siblings, Justin (25), Jasmine (16), Jordan (14), and Jocelyn (10). In his spare time, Jason enjoys being an active participant in the R/C plane, drone, and army tank community. He also is a big part of the local Nerf community where he plans, organizes, and leads Nerf events. He works part time at Pups of War on O'ahu, and loves to get creative with his 3D printer.

My sister and her family could use your thoughts, prayers, and support. If you know Jessica, she is always helping and giving to others and rarely asks for help from others. She is thoughtful, kind, and loves being a mother and wife.

Many of you who know Jason's family know they are extremely close and are together always smiling, laughing and joking around. We hope to reunite the family so they can be together during these difficult times. Our O'hana (family) appreciates your support by sharing this page.

If you are in any position to contribute financially, any contribution would be greatly appreciated. No dollar amount is too small as any help will relieve them of financial pressures and allow them to focus on treatment, healing, and recovery. We would be eternally grateful.

The funding will be used to cover medical expenses not covered by Tricare, travel expenses so Jason’s family can be with him as he undergoes chemotherapy, and other expenses associated with Jason's hospitalization and treatment.

We ask with great humility and gratitude that you find it in your heart to help. $25 will chip away at cancer related expenses not covered by insurance such as infertility costs. $100 will put a dent in travel costs. $200 will help cover lodging and other living expenses, including lost income for both Jason and the family. Every dollar counts towards relieving Jason and his family of financial stress.

Our family wants you to know that after Jason's treatments are complete and successful, any money left over will be donated to the American Cancer Society where 80% of resources are invested in patient support, discovery, and advocacy along with other charities of Jason's choice.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your generosity.

Mahalo,

Ron Sugihara Jr. & Our O'hana

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html

#cancersucks #hodgkinslymphoma #curecancer #beatcancer #cancersupport #cancer #cancerfighter #cancerawareness #standuptocancer #chemotherapy #carcinoma #chemotheraphy

If you would feel more comfortable helping out or donating via another method please contact me. Here are other options:

Navy Federal Credit Union

Zelle