Cancer Support for Stephen T. Vessels

Writer, artist, and editor, Stephen T. Vessels, needs our urgent support as he receives treatment for cancer

Some of you know that, in January of 2020, Stephen suffered a heart attack. His recovery has been slow. What he and the doctors were unaware of at that time is that Stephen has also been living with a rare form of cancer, they now think for about six years. Due to his failing health, he has been unable to work with any consistency since late last year. In April he landed in the emergency room. During his extended stay of several weeks in the hospital, his cancer was finally diagnosed – a rare T-cell lymphoma called mycosis fungoides. The cancer is so rare that it is almost always misdiagnosed, which had been the case with Stephen for years. Treatment began immediately, and while Stephen is deeply grateful for his doctors and the excellent care he is receiving, both the treatment and the cancer are taking a harsher toll than either he or his oncologist anticipated.  Since May he has lost over 120 pounds. 

Stephen has been unable to work for several months. He's unable to do much at all, really. For a good while now, all of his energy has been spent just making it through the day. His financial reserves are gone and bills are piling up. His family and close friends have been amazing about taking turns staying with him, but that can't continue indefinitely. You get the idea, I'm sure. Things are pretty tough right now and he could really use some help. 

This GoFundMe campaign has been established, with Stephen's reluctant permission, to try to give our friend a bit of much-needed relief and peace of mind as he continues to receive treatment and heal over the coming weeks and months. Once Stephen regains his physical strength and mental bandwidth, he's looking forward to getting back to work. 

We realize that so many people are struggling at the moment. If, however, you are in a position to make a financial contribution, please consider doing so. No amount is too small. $5.00 buys a couple of cans of soup. $10.00 a six-pack of Ensure. Both of those items are extremely helpful right now. And if you aren't able to make a donation at this time, that's okay! Thanks for even reading this, for caring enough to do so. Please consider leaving an encouraging comment for Stephen and share this link with anyone you think might want to have it.

If you don't know Stephen personally, you can learn more about his life and art on his website.

Thank you all so much for your support!