Lights, Camera, Action: Helping Jay Williams

2/1/25 EDIT - As we enter the second month of 2025, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Jay and his family, especially in the midst of the LA wildfires that impacted so many during the month of January. Your kindness and generosity continue to be a beacon of hope during this incredibly difficult time.

12/31/24 EDIT - Thanks to all who contributed to Jay and his family this year. We know that so many of you and your loved ones are facing challenges of your own and your generosity of spirit is deeply appreciated. Jay will begin radiation treatment in the next couple of weeks to target his new tumors while his medical team works to resolve his internal bleeding so he can start his next round of chemo. The first half of 2025 will be especially challenging and we ask that you keep him in your prayers.

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Once upon a time in the heartland of America (Munce, Indiana to be precise), a boy with an indomitable spirit and an untamable imagination was born. From the enchanting cornfields of the Midwest, Jay Douglas Williams dreamed big. He started his career in radio and grew to become a veteran film marketing executive at the Walt Disney Company and elsewhere. His magical journey was not just about making movies but touching lives, telling stories, and spreading joy, kindness, and love everywhere he went. Today, this beloved father, husband, brother, and grandfather, our hero, faces the most formidable adversary he has ever encountered – pancreatic cancer.

Jay, a man of deep-rooted Midwestern ethics, fierce dedication, and enduring grace, has always been the knight in shining armor for his loved ones and colleagues. In his formidable career, he's marketed the tales of pirates, space voyagers and other adventurers, but this story is different and the stakes are high.

Every story needs a hero AND a villain, and Jay is determined to beat this villain not for the glory but to ensure that he continues to nurture and protect his family.

In our society, too many of us face the terrifying reality that we're a single medical emergency away from losing our homes, our livelihoods, and our peace of mind. The monstrous costs of healthcare can cause even the most courageous warriors to tremble.

Jay, being the hero he is, continues to wear his armor of bravery with a "we'll figure it out" attitude, never wanting to be a burden on anyone. But now, it's time for us, his community, his friends, and his extended family, to rally and step up to fight this battle alongside him.

This GoFundMe campaign, created on behalf of myself, Lori H. Schwartz and Chris Thomes aims to raise funds to support Jay and his family during this challenging time. The money will be used to cover Jay's medical expenses not approved by insurance, assistance paying the mortgage and basic household necessities so that he and his family can focus all their strength on this fight, and not have to worry about working full time.

Let's ensure that this is the first of many sequels in Jay's story and that he continues to inspire as he always has, filled with joy, love, and resilience. Let's help Jay write the next chapters of his journey, devoid of financial worries, filled with hope, and the promise of better days. A good story always has room for a plot twist, hope, and a happy ending. Let's make this ending a masterpiece.

Every donation, big or small, will play a part in this script, helping Jay and his family during these challenging times. Because at the end of the day, when the lights fade, and the credits roll, we are all one big family. And families look out for each other.

We're doing this for Jay, his beloved wife Cathy, his children Parker, Alexis, Brantley and Kinley, his grandsons Zion and Camden, his daughter-in-law Savannah, his future son-in-law Mike, his sister Julie, brother-in-law Jon and all who know and love him.

Ready, set, action!

Please donate now, and become a part of Jay's incredible story of healing.