Save my dad's life

Jennifer Burke is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Cynthia Burke.

Donation protected

My father was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in February of 2014. The usual life expectancy for people with stage 4 colon cancer is approximately 2.5 years. They found a tumor in his colon which was removed by the surgery in February 2014. He's been on a chemo regimen every 2 weeks since his diagnosis along with cat scans every 5-6 months to check for any growth or spreading of the cancer. February 2015 we had results from his last cat scan that one of the cancer tumors grew.

His oncologist Dr Hong has been nothing but amazing. Dr Hong told us about a surgery that will help prolong my fathers life, and in some cases make it so that the cancer does not come back. He put us in contact with a surgeon who does this type of surgery. The surgery is called HIPEC. They surgically remove any visible tumors within the abdomen using various surgical techniques, then the heated, sterilized chemotherapy solution is delivered to the abdomen to penetrate and destroy any remaining cancer cells. HIPEC is a treatment option for people who have advanced surface spread of cancer within the abdomen, without disease involvement outside of the abdomen. In other words, my father has a chance, if we act now, to have this surgery before the cancer spreads to his other organs, and prolong his life. If we wait too long and the cancer spreads to one of his major organs, then he is no longer a candidate for the HIPEC surgery.

His insurance company will only approve the surgical portion but not the chemo portion. Studies have shown that it is the combination of the two that makes a difference in the life expectancy of the patient. We have appealed for coverage with the insurance company 2 times and 1 time with an outside medical reviewer as a third and final decision. Each appeal has been denied causing a three month delay. The longer he goes without the surgery, the chances of the cancer spreading increases to a point where he will no longer be a candidate for the HIPEC surgery. It's a time sensitive matter. My father's life depends on this surgery. The longer he goes without the surgery, the chances of him surviving the cancer gets smaller.

At this point I am turning to others to help donate so that my father can have this surgery and prolong his life and be with us for many more years to come. Any donation is more than appreciated. I cannot give a big enough thank you for saving my fathers life.

Any amount over what is needed for the surgery will be donated to another cancer fighter in need.

Please feel free to click on the provided links below to learn more about my fathers type of cancer and the HIPEC surgery that will keep him with us.

My father asked for me to take his picture today February 25, 2015 which I have shared below. He wants to live.

My father is John Burke

My mother, wife to John: Cindi Burke

My sister, daughter to John: Kristine Burke Megazzini

My name is Jennifer Burke

I can be reached at any time.