Help James Hastings Cover USA Medical Emergency Costs

Hi friends,

I’m James Hastings, a stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma patient and co-founder of Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland. Many of you know me through my advocacy work, speaking out on access to treatment, and sharing my journey at events like the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s 2024 Conference, which I was honoured to attend once again this year.

But this week, something unexpected happened.

On the first evening of the conference, during dinner, I fainted at the table due to a complication from my cancer. Thankfully, I was surrounded by the best people imaginable—a room full of fellow patients, caregivers, doctors, nurses, and advocates. I was immediately cared for with such compassion and speed. Helen Morment from AMMF rode with me in the ambulance. Melinda and Dr. Maithel stepped up to coordinate everything, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the kind messages and support from so many of you, and a very special shout out to all the incredible team of the CCF, they make you feel just like family.

I’ve since been hospitalized from Tuesday through Friday, undergoing a series of scans, scopes, and procedures. Sadly, the results have shown that things are more serious than we had hoped. It’s another tough hurdle to face, and one I now carry with me as I work out what this means for my next steps.

On top of this emotional toll, there’s a very real and pressing financial burden. Because of my pre-existing condition, I’m not eligible for travel insurance to the U.S. This means all hospital care and related costs fall entirely on me—and it’s a staggering, unexpected bill.

I don’t ask for help lightly, but I’ve had to fundraise before to access life-saving treatment, and now, I’m asking again—this time to help cover the cost of my emergency hospitalisation and medical care here in the U.S.

If you can contribute anything, big or small, or share this with someone who might, it would help more than I can say. Your kindness means the world to me.

With heartfelt thanks,

James Hastings

Co-Founder, Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland

Co-Chair, UCAN Ireland

facebook.com/jamesfightsback