Help Jim Find Hope and Health After Hardship

My name is Jim Elmore, and I never thought I would be in this position. Like all of us, I’ve had my ups and downs, but I always believed that I could overcome any adversity and come out okay. That was before the events that began on January 31st, 2022.

On January 31st, 2022, I was involved in an automobile accident, sustaining multiple injuries and requiring two plates and ten screws to repair my badly shattered ankle. The recovery was difficult, but in no time, I was working at my new job as Production Manager at Kreysler and Associates. It was exciting, as we were building the exterior of the Lucasfilm Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. But then I began experiencing some health problems. I started having “old man” urinary issues, battled overwhelming fatigue, and began having debilitating joint pain in my right hip. In April of 2023, the Lucasfilm Museum project was successfully completed, and I was laid off. By August, I was having to walk with a cane, and I was told I needed hip replacement surgery. As part of the pre-op testing for the surgery, I learned that I had an extremely high PSA score – a potential indicator for prostate cancer. Regardless, I was cleared for surgery, and in January 2024, I had successful hip replacement surgery. However, during the operation, the surgeon found cancer in my bones. A subsequent bone scan showed widespread prostate cancer metastases, and a biopsy confirmed aggressive prostate adenocarcinoma. In February, I began androgen deprivation therapy, and in April, added androgen receptor blocker therapy through the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. In June, I started a series of six chemotherapy infusions (Docetaxel) - of which I have just completed. The hormone therapy is ongoing.

Which brings us to the present. I have managed to get through all this on California State Disability, which unfortunately ran out on September 15th. I am not eligible for Federal disability. Most of my family has passed, and the ones who are still with us cannot meaningfully impact my dilemma. GoFundMe is truly my last resort.

Unfortunately, I have just been too sick to realistically interview for a job. It’s not all bad news, though. Once I recover from the chemo, maybe 4-6 weeks, I can start a consistent and sensible exercise routine that will help mitigate the hormone therapy side effects. And, even though my cancer is very advanced, it is highly responsive to the treatment and can be held at bay for years. I need to secure employment as soon as possible. The hormone therapy makes it impossible for me to succeed in a physical labor job, although I certainly have no ego issues around that. I just need something to keep body and soul together, with benefits that can support my health issues. This is why I am reaching out – I need help in keeping a roof over my head and wholesome food on the table while I seek employment. I’m not picky; if my basic needs are met, I am willing to do anything to the best of my ability.

If you read through to here, I humbly thank you. If you were able to pitch in, my gratitude knows no bounds. My promise to you is that I will honor your generosity with my effort and frugality.