Support Pete & Tracy As They Both Battle Cancer, Miles Apart

Pete, my friend of over 30 years, and his wife Tracy are both fighting for their lives against aggressive cancers. I, along with close family and friends, have been pitching in to help in every way possible. From trips to Houston to rides to chemotherapy, we are making sure that Pete and Tracy get the help they need. But now we need your help.

Here is their story:

Pete was diagnosed with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer —a rare and aggressive cancer. It's so rare that it makes up only 1 to 2% of all thyroid cancers; it's so aggressive that once diagnosed, it's already labeled as stage 4.

Pete is now receiving care in Houston at MD Anderson Cancer Center (without his wife—more on that in a bit). He's the first patient from MDAC to get accepted into an exclusive clinical trial, and he's currently taking targeted chemo pills and undergoing daily radiation treatments. He'll be deep in the heart of Texas for six weeks of active treatment.

But the story doesn't end there—here’s the twist. Pete's wife, Tracy, was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer a few weeks after Pete's diagnosis. Tracy is fighting a type of cancer that tends to spread faster and has fewer treatment options. While Pete is stationed in Houston, Tracy will be fighting her own battle at home in the suburbs of Chicago as she undergoes six months of chemotherapy followed by surgery. Despite the hundreds of miles between them, their love and support for each other remain strong, forged through years of friendship, late-night haunts, bodega runs, and life's inevitable ups and downs. You can learn more about their journey on their site.

While Pete has good health insurance, there are many aspects of his care and recovery are not covered. These include hotel costs, food, transportation, expenses due to missed work, and medical costs. And that's just for Pete's treatment; add on Tracy's, and...well...you know the drill.

The last thing anyone should worry about when fighting a rare and aggressive cancer is how to pay the bills.

Needless to say, the sums are adding up and looking quite ridiculous, so we have started this fundraising campaign. We are kindly (and not-so-subtly) asking for contributions in any amount. Please give what you can and spread the word. All donations will be transferred directly to Pete and Tracy and will go to costs not covered by insurance.

For Pete and Tracy to recover successfully, please help us take this weight off their shoulders so they can focus on their health and wellbeing. With support from family and friends like you, we are confident they can overcome anything. Their love will continue to resonate long after the beats of cancer fade away.

5/1/24 Update:

We are deeply grateful for your generosity, which has helped us raise $10,107 so far for Pete and Tracy as they battle aggressive cancers. Pete is undergoing a rigorous treatment protocol at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, while Tracy faces her own tough fight with chemotherapy in Chicago. Despite the physical distance, their resilience and mutual support continue to inspire us all.

The costs of treatment, travel, lodging, ER visit(s), and hospitalizations are mounting, and we still need to raise $29,893 to reach our $40,000 goal to cover these expenses not included in their insurance. This will allow Pete and Tracy to focus fully on their recovery without the added stress of financial burdens.

Please continue to share their story and donate if you can. Every bit of support brings us closer to helping Pete and Tracy through this challenging time. Thank you for being a crucial part of their support network!