Help Jay fight Stage 3 Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Hi! My name is Michele, and I am a longtime friend of Crystal’s from High School. We met her freshman year when I was a sophomore at Williamsville North High School. While life got in the way post-high school we managed to reconnect quite a few years ago. Raising kids and supporting each other through many of life's twists and turns. I have gotten to know Jay (Jason) rather well and can tell you they are an inseparable couple. Jay and Crystal have been married for 23 years and have 3 children...Faith, Hope and Cody. All whom I have watched recently from afar grow up.

I have started this Go Fund Me as a way to help from a distance (as one of their close supports still here in Buffalo NY, while they are in Raleigh NC) and to let Jay and Crystal know they are not alone.

On November 11th, 2022, Jay was sent to Wake Radiology for imaging. He was sent for an Upper GI series due to Dysphagia, unexplained and unintentional weight loss, extreme reflux, violent hiccups and at times, just not being able to eat (he has now lost over 110lbs and weighs in currently at 130lbs, there is no fat left only muscle and bone). This was ordered through UNC Digestive Healthcare. They were hoping for nothing but suspecting at most a hiatal hernia.

Unfortunately, it had been discovered there was an estimated 9cm elongated mass from above his stomach up his esophagus. The widest being 3.5cm. According to the reports, radiology currently was calling it a Malignant Esophageal Neoplasm (fancy for tumor) with an issue of Gastritis and Hyperproteinemia.

Following the results, another CT w/contrast was ordered for the following Tuesday, which confirmed the mass at 9.5cm and an Endoscopy was ordered for the next day Wed. Nov 16th. During that Endoscopy w/biopsy, it was suspected that this was indeed cancer and that his gastrointestinal Doctor would be shocked if otherwise

Officially on November 18th, 2022, Jay was diagnosed with Stage Three Undifferentiated Esophageal Adenocarcinoma w/Signet Cell Features.

PET Scan #1 confirmed a 10.1cm malignant tumor, however it had not metastasized (yet!!). There are two esophageal lymph nodes possibly in play. They will be dealt with during treatment and follow-up surgery

Jay now has two Oncologists (Radiation and Chemo/medical) and a Thoracic Surgeon as part of his team (along with more Doctors, Nurses, Navigators, Social Workers, Therapists etc.) The entire team is with the University of North Carolina (based in Chapel Hill) located in Raleigh NC.

Jay was recently admitted on December 7th, 2022 to UNC Rex Hospital Emergency Care and admitted due to severe malnourishment and dehydration. While in the hospital for 8 days he received his Chemo port and a Jejunostomy tube (J-tube) placed into the small intestinal tract to replace with constant nutrition as he is unable to eat due to the current size of the tumor and help make him stronger after the extreme weight loss for treatment. He has come home on a continuous feeding pump.

On December 19th, 2022 he will begin the following treatment:

6 weeks of Chemotherapy - 1 day a week on Mondays (Carboplatin & Taxol - 3-hour infusion)

6 weeks of Radiation therapy 5 x a week

2-4 weeks recovery

PET Scan #2 - this will be to make sure treatment was successful and to make sure there is no further evidence of disease (basically to make sure he has not gone metastatic)

Esophagealectomy - the section where the cancer is in Jay's esophagus will be removed along with a small section of his upper stomach. He will then have his stomach stretched (think Gastric Sleeve) to reconnect with the shortened esophagus. Surgery will be 8-10 hours in length. His recovery alone will be up to 10 days or more in the hospital.

The family is learning new details of the plan every week as things morph regularly depending on Jay’s response to treatment. This type of cancer is not a one-and-done. It is an ongoing battle for many years to come. While he may have a chance at full remission, it does not mean it will not come back sadly.

As a Professional Chef, Jay has unfortunately been removed from work rather rapidly. Especially after his recent hospitalization just this past week. His short-term disability does not even touch his salary, and he cannot declare FMLA until December 29th.

Jay is the primary wage earner for his family. Crystal, his wife, has her own moderate health struggles and, during good times, supports the family as an amazing special needs and portrait photographer. Needless to say, money will be tight, and treatment is expensive. Due to three children in college while living at home working part-time, Crystal being on Disability with a moderate allowable income, and Jason's short-term disability they do not qualify for any state-supported programs (SNAP, Medicaid, Utility Assistance, etc.), however, will not be living on full earnings thus leaving a substantial deficit.

Funds raised will go towards:

• COBRA payments or the regular deducted amount to keep benefits

• Medical Bills and Co-pays (Chemo, Radiation, Follow-ups, feeding equipment and supplements, hospitalizations, surgeries, etc.)

• Bills, they fall short on - Car Payments, Utilities, Cell Phones, etc.

• Any Rent for their house ($1850) not covered through any programs they may be eligible for (Social workers are working with the family looking into grants, etc.)

• Groceries for the Family as Meal Trains will not work due to severe food allergies (Gluten, Lactose, Corn)

• Gas for travel back and forth to all appointments

We would greatly appreciate any help and exposure (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Email campaigns etc...) to help with this cause, as there are not many grants available to families who are dealing with this particular type of Cancer. Due to the last 2 years and the hit, Covid served everyone in the hospitality industry you can see the family has already been depleted of many saved resources and was just getting back on their feet.

If you wish to follow along with Jay's story not just on here but on FB too there is a private group that Crystal does a great job in updating, as well as myself when things are too overwhelming for her. Let us know if you wish to be added and your FB name and we would love to have you join us!

Thank you so much for considering helping Jay and his family. Cancer is a terrible disease and every dollar helps Jay concentrate on feeling better instead of worrying about his finances and his family.

Thank You on behalf of the Boone Family

Michele Sutton

**proof of diagnosis, expenditures and bills can be supplied if needed for transparency**