Jim's Journey: A family's fight with cancer

Hi, my name is Julie and I am fundraising for my cousin Jimmy who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Our family is humbly asking for your support to alleviate the financial burden that Jimmy and his family are now facing.

To give you some background, last July Jimmy went to see his optometrist as his vision didn’t seem right. At that time they couldn’t pinpoint a cause and thought that he might just need a prescription for glasses. By the late Fall it was getting worse and he was sent to a specialist in Ottawa who then referred him to a specialist in Toronto. After multiple trips to Toronto and many more tests and procedures, the diagnosis was confirmed as Uveal melanoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer. In March of this year Jimmy had surgery to remove his eye. Jimmy being a hard worker and not wanting to miss time, returned to work after only a few weeks. To add to this, his wife Sharon has been struggling with her own health issues, undergoing several back surgeries over the years and most recently, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis preventing her from working.

Things seemed to be going ok but after a few short months Jimmy starting to feel unwell. On July 7th, he went in for a CAT scan only to receive the devastating diagnosis that the cancer had metastasized to his liver and then a week later, his lungs. Sadly they were then informed that there are no viable treatment options. They are now focused on ways to better manage his symptoms so that he can have the best quality of life possible.

As you can imagine, the family has been trying hard to come to terms with this news, as parents to two beautiful kids, James & Poppy, our hearts are heavy with concern for the impact this journey will have on their family. They need to make plans quickly.

They are modest people, both now unable to work and with the rising cost of just about everything they really need our help.

We are targeting $50,000, a big task but I think it is possible with everyone’s help, not just in donating but helping this go viral by sharing the link. We understand that not everyone may be in a position to contribute financially, but you can still help by sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and colleagues on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linkedin, Twitter, and more. Every share brings us closer to reaching our goal so please spread the word.

Please consider donating to help make this difficult time a little easier. Any amount is greatly appreciated by the family and the donations will go directly to Jimmy and his immediate family to help pay the bills.

Sometimes we need a reminder of what could happen to any of us; yes, we are vulnerable too and life is unpredictable, we might need others just like they need us now.

We truly appreciate your support and please continue to send us your positive vibes, healing thoughts and prayers.

With love & gratitude,

Friends and family of Jimmy & Sharon