Cancer Sucks - Support David and his family

Dear family and friends,

As some of you may know, our father David was officially diagnosed with cancer back on April 29th, 2020. He was diagnosed with Stage T2 Bladder Cancer, which is an extremely aggressive form of cancer in his bladder, with signs of left kidney blockage as well. David started chemotherapy at RVH in Barrie on May 5th and was told he’d be unable to work during what was said to be a 6-8 month treatment process.

David fought hard through his first 12 chemotherapy sessions, but he then had to have surgery for bladder removal and building of a neobladder in October, 2020. Recovery time turned out to take longer than originally planned, and then an insertion of a nephrostomy bag when his left kidney became fully blocked in June, 2021, made it even longer and more difficult. His healing has been slow, frustrating at times, but he continued to fight to get better. Looking back, David’s cancer journey has been filled with a labyrinth of doctors, numerous tests, invasive procedures, substantial emotional and financial upheaval, and here we are over a year and a half later, with no real end in sight.

His nephrostomy tube that was supposed to be short term is still attached and a new growth of ‘tissue mass’ in his abdominal area has caused a blockage of his bowels. This stopped him from being able to eat or take in fluids. David lost over 35 pounds, and had to have bowel reconstructive surgery in September, to bypass the mass allowing him to begin eating again. Only very small portions so far. Now the biopsy of the tissue mass showed "questionable cells", so David has begun an additional 12 chemotherapy sessions and there is talk of immunotherapy and further surgery afterwards, which will take him into mid-2022 at least.

David is in the process of applying for ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) but unfortunately this may take 6-8 months to be approved. He also tried to apply for EI Sick Benefits, but because he started his own independent contractor business in 2019, they told him he doesn't qualify for assistance.

To aid David through this challenging time, we are raising funds to cover the costs of medical expenses, including prescriptions and travel to and from the hospital and his two other weekly appointments (bloodwork pre-chemo & nephrostomy bandage changes); daily living essentials, including groceries and his personal care items; and living expenses, including home and utility bills.

This year my mom Kim completed her schooling online to become a PSW. The past 1.5 years while David was battling cancer, Kim was taking him to all his appointments, while also balancing school, her school-work placement, and keeping everyone fed (including the dogs). Having no income from either side has been difficult for our family, and now that David is back in the hospital, and unable to work for the foreseeable future, bills have been piling up.

Any contribution is greatly appreciated and we are very grateful to our friends, family, and the community for all their prayers, love, and support during this time. We send our love and deep appreciation to you all as he fights through this arduous journey.

 

- The Tilley Family