Support for Timothy’s Cancer Recovery

About a year ago, Timothy was diagnosed with tongue cancer, which caught everyone by surprise. As we were all worrying about him and stressing about the future, he put on a grin and said he was going to kick cancer’s ass, and that he wasn’t worried - he knew he was going to make it through. He was right, and after surgery, he quickly went into remission.

A couple of months ago, while going for routine checkups, the doctors found that the cancer had spread and found cancerous cells in one of Timothy’s lymph nodes. Timothy underwent a neck dissection and had multiple nodes removed, and is currently undergoing radiation treatments in the head and neck area to ensure that all of the cancer is getting squashed.

Timothy has always been an avid participant in his local community, from playing music to supporting the community through direct action and advocation. Timothy is keeping his typical positive demeanor throughout this secondary cancer diagnosis, but it has gotten to a point where he is becoming too sick to work and he needs to ask for some help from his community. He has always been there for us - let’s be there for him!

The prognosis for his condition is good, and we are positive that he will recover - for this we are thankful. However, it will be a challenge along the way. Currently, Timothy is undergoing radiation treatment every weekday, and will continue to do so until July 12. Unfortunately, the severity of the treatment’s effects is already ramping up, and he is beginning to experience extreme pain, fatigue, discomfort, and difficulty eating and speaking. His doctor has also suggested that he take at least one month of time off of work after his radiation treatments end in order for him to recover. However, that could be longer based on how he reacts to the treatment.

Timothy’s job doesn't offer short-term disability, and he is still working daily to try to continue making an income. He will be using all of his saved PTO; therefore, once that runs out, he will have no more vacation time and therefore no more income. We are asking for help to cover his out-of-pocket medical bills, money for lost wages, and living expenses. Hopefully this way, Timothy will be able to stop working and focus on his recovery at home - which is exactly where he needs to be.

Timothy has been lucky to have the support of his wonderful fiancée, Elizabeth - and they are looking forward to getting through the treatment and to Tim’s remission so they can start on their plans to get married and continue their life together.

Anything that you can offer will help - thank you so much!