Help the Huesca Family While Tim Continues to Fight

It has been almost 5 years since my brother-in-law, Tim Huesca, was given the most abrupt, heartbreaking, and devastating news that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Tim had just celebrated his 30th birthday, my sister was pregnant with their youngest, and I remember every single one of us thinking…This can’t be happening right now, not to them, not to my family.

Immediately after Tim was diagnosed, he started his oncology care through Northwestern.

In February 2024, it was found that the non-stop chemo and several surgeries Tim had endured was not enough to keep the cancer from spreading to his lymph nodes that would drain and spread it through his lymphatic system. Tim was then started on maintenance chemo to essentially try and “freeze” all tumors and cancer from spreading further as opposed to “regular” chemo that is used to decrease or eliminate all cancer. This had been working until Danielle (Tim’s wife) took him to the ER prior to Christmas for severe abdominal pain. They did a CT scan that showed his tumors had spread significantly and had become unstable. Since maintenance chemo was the last line of defense, they are at a point of beginning palliative care measures with a possibility of a palliative care radiation procedure.

Danielle has been an immovable force of strength throughout this entire process even if she hasn’t felt like it some days. Keeping up with three young ones is tough in a normal situation, and she has done that plus so much more without complaint.

Prior to his most recent ER visit, Tim had still been working full time (yes even when he has been on chemo pretty much constantly the past 5 years-he’s a bada$$) but isn’t able to go back. We also want him to spend all of his time with Danielle, their son Beckham (8), and their daughters Emery (6) and Callie (4).

I know times are tough for many right now. I also know our healthcare system sucks and can put even the most financially conscious people under so easily. With Tim’s disability still pending, money has become quite tight relying only on Danielle’s income. If you are able to help and ease the burden of medical bills or life as it will be for them in the near future, that would be amazing. I know they would be so appreciative and grateful. If all you’re able to offer is good vibes and prayers, we will take it all!

We are in the midst of also planning a golf outing this spring that will benefit the Huesca family. I will be posting all final details as they are solidified. So far, we have the date of May 31st, 2025 at the Minne Monesse Golf Club. Flyers to come soon!

If you’ve made it this far, thank you very much for your time.

With love,

Kristin Brandes (McDermott)

Danielle’s sister and Tim’s most PITA sister-in-law