Gofundme for Mari, Joe and Sammy

(Updated per the request of the gofundme team) Hello, I am Jim Nowak, brother-in- law to Maria (Mari) and Joe Courtney and uncle to Sammy. Anyone who knows Mari has experienced the light and laughter she brings to all she knows. Mari has battled stage 4 renal cell carcinoma for 7 years. She completed four treatments including three clinical trials all in an effort to be mom to 11-year old Sammy and wife to her husband, Joe. She has been the last living patient for all clinical trials but they all involved significant side effects. No one would know the pain Mari has experienced as she always stays positive and found joy every day in every interaction.

Mari also enjoyed a remarkable career with the Aurora PD in both the 911 call center and the records office. She loved her job immensely but had to retire early due to her illness.

Mari enjoys cooking for her family and friends and enjoys her relationships with her Mary Kay customers, former coworkers, and her many, many friends. To know Mari is to be her friend.

Unfortunately, we’ve recently learned the cancer has spread to almost all internal organs and all medical options are exhausted.

Mari and Joe made the difficult decision to begin hospice this upcoming week. As she navigates this, her father is also approaching the end of his life. She has been his caregiver during his cancer journey.

As you can imagine, we are reeling. Mari and Joe are so grateful to family and friends who have provided meals and offered Sammy reprieve with play dates, as well as rides to and from school and soccer.

So many have reached out to ask what they can do to help. While it’s not comfortable to suggest donations, the reality is there are financial that involve end of life planning and medical bills. This fundraiser will support the cost of a will and trust which is an urgent need. Other funds will support outstanding medical bills, and finally, when the time comes, funeral planning. Your support is so appreciated.

Given Mari and Joe’s need to focus on her medical needs and to help Joe maintain his employment which is critical for insurance, they have agreed for me and my wife, Julie Nowak, to oversee this fund. As most of you know, we are very involved in their lives. Every penny donated and more will be spent on the needs listed above. Should there be a balance, it will go to a savings account established for Sammy’s needs.