Help Billy "Okie" O'Connell Beat Melanoma

Bill’s Diagnosis

Please consider contributing to Bill O’Connell and his family as they continue their fight for Bill’s health. In the Fall of 2021, Bill was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma. Over the next year, he endured two major surgeries to remove the cancerous mass from his neck. A few months after the second surgery, Bill began experiencing severe seizures. In November of 2022, following the second seizure, the doctors discovered the cancer had spread into Bill’s bloodstream, resulting in a Stage 4 metastatic tumor in his brain. In the nick of time, Bill underwent immediate brain surgery and the tumor was successfully removed. However, due to trauma in the brain caused by internal bleeding from the seizure, Bill now suffers from an irreversible drop foot syndrome immobilizing the lower half of his left leg. This drop foot is a serious factor in his mobility, in addition to an already severe case of osteoarthritis in his back and right hip, which had already been a major daily obstacle. Due to an immediate need to begin immunotherapy, Bill was unable to schedule a long overdue hip replacement.

As bi-weekly immunotherapy treatments began, the medicine took a serious toll on Bill’s physical health. And as the months progressed, he began suffering from nearly every listed side effect, most of which have severely damaged his endocrine system. Bill’s thyroid, pancreas, & adrenal gland are now permanently impaired due to the treatments he’s received. In his sixth month of treatments, Bill checked himself into the ER amidst the peak of extreme illness. This visit resulted in his next diagnosis, Type I Diabetes. Bill must now take insulin, hormone deficiency, and anti-seizure medication daily for the rest of his life. While his immunotherapy sessions have been put on pause for the time being due to the state of his health, in June of 2023, Bill’s right hip was finally replaced. Amongst another 6 week minimum healing window, and his inability to work, the two year mark of Bill’s fight approaches. The family and friends of Bill and his wife Sandy have put together this fund to help the O’Connells in their time of need. All donations will go directly to them and provide assistance towards medical bills & life expenses that they are currently struggling to cover.

Why We Need to Raise Funds

Bill “Okie” O’Connell is a lover of life. He found his calling nearly 40 years ago while attending Johnson College, beginning his venture as a master carpenter. Widely known as a workaholic, his life’s work is centered around physical labor and the ability to use his body. Bill has created his reality and provided for his family with his bare hands for decades and counting. While his mind is strong and spirit eternal, over the last two years, Bill’s body has been at war. As he endures the healing process, his wife Sandy, daughter Casey, and two sons, Ryan & Keenan, have been his troops behind him, helping maintain their livelihood as a family. With Bill’s inability to work, they have kicked it into overdrive, but as their finances and energy naturally begin to dwindle, they are now reaching out for help.

As an independent contractor, Bill relies on his wife Sandy’s insurance coverage. Having reached their coverage limits numerous times, the deductibles alone have been difficult to cover, in addition to their mortgage and other life expenses. Until Bill gets back on his feet, he cannot provide the income necessary to live comfortably. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated and will go a long way in aiding the O’Connells through what has been a long and strenuous chapter.

Bill’s Story

Bill O’Connell, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, has devoted his life to creating masterpieces with wood. His journey began after his studies at Johnson College, beginning to build custom homes and furniture. From there, his passion for the craft and knowledge of the business would grow interminably. Bill’s entire adult life has been spent learning the ins & outs of the trade, in doing so he has earned the status of a master craftsman. Maintaining the sacred art form of his craft and being fair and generous in his service are traits that have allowed Bill to stand out from the rest, as well as live a life doing what he loves. His company, Built To Last Fine Woodworking, has been his life endeavor, as well as his mission here on Earth. He reinforces this truth by recently stating “There is no retirement, I will be crawling around that workshop before I go”. The strength of his spirit and love from his heart have been fused into everything he has created. Throughout his life, Bill has built countless state of the art pieces that will shine timelessly in people’s homes for generations. While this sickness has hindered him for longer than expected, it is just another stop on his journey, which is far from over. Bill has every intention to continue to fight this fight and get back to doing what he loves as soon as physically possible.

Bill and each member of his family are extremely grateful for the support they have received throughout these past two years and are beyond appreciative for any support sent their way. They reach out with empathy for any other families experiencing such struggles and hope to return to a state of stability within their lives with the help of those who support them in a time of need.

We invite anyone and everyone to join us on July 15th at St. Anthony’s Playground Pavilion in Dunmore, PA as we celebrate Bill’s fight with good food, live music, and donated raffle baskets in an effort to shower Bill with love and appreciation as we raise funds.

Those who prefer to donate by check or cash can send donations to: Billy "Okie" O'Connell Fund, P.O. Box 196, Dunmore, PA 18512. Checks can be addressed and are payable to: Billy "Okie" O'Connell Fund.