Chuck Nance Expenses - Treatment for Brain Cancer

Last February, Chuck was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System, a very rare and aggressive type of brain cancer. After a surgery that removed a large tumor, doctors told the Nance family to prepare for the worst. But since then, Chuck has fought incredibly hard with the help of his amazing oncology team at the University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center. Chuck receives a bi-weekly regime of intense chemotherapy infusions, as well as oral chemotherapy at home in between his hospital stays. Covid and pulmonary embolisms did not get in the way of his recovery, and he is fighting hard! Chuck continues to show great progress, and what was left of the tumor in his brain post-surgery is reacting to treatment! His wife and children could not be more grateful for his excellent care at U of M.

Knowing how serious Chuck’s cancer is and that the chances are too high of it coming back without this next phase, so begins his journey as he fights this battle using a Stem Cell Transplant. This phase gives Chuck the best chance to recover fully. Stem Cell Transplant is a serious procedure with many risks and a long recovery period where he will need to be isolated for at least 100 days while his immune system reboots to fight off cancer cells. It is Chuck's best hope for long-term remission from his lymphoma.

Fortunately, their home has a small apartment above their detached garage. Jennifer is working on cleaning, sanitizing, painting, and creating a sterile living space so Chuck can be isolated while he recovers. However, this space needs work and money to buy purifiers, new furniture, clean the ducts, and more…

Unfortunately and incredulously, Chuck has yet to receive any disability benefits these past seven months, and the family has been paying out of pocket to maintain his COBRA. Jennifer has worked for many years in the West Bloomfield School District, but her employment earnings are simply not enough to cover medical care, Cobra, mortgage, car payments, groceries, utilities, two children at home, and the added re-model of the isolation space, it’s a tough go. As Jennifer’s friend and neighbor, I am watching this happen, and I see the struggle is just incredibly difficult for her. I think we all feel helpless, but money does help in these situations, and I have faith in our community that if we all contribute what we can, even if you simply share this on your social, then we can lighten at least one part of this heavy load for them. Jen also mentioned to me that Chuck, at one point, wanted to forgo treatment and take his chances so he could get back to work, but the cancer is incredibly aggressive, and this just can’t be their option!

Jennifer calls Chuck her “Mr. Incredible,” and they are both so grateful for any and all help they receive. As we share this GoFundMe, please also know there are other ways to help, as we will be creating an entire living space for Chuck while he recovers.