Support Jim's Fight Against Stage 4 Cancer

Hi everyone, my name is Jenny and I have created this fundraiser for my cousin Katie and her partner Jim. They currently live Westerville, Ohio. Jim is a journeyman in the sheet metal industry, a profession he's dedicated himself to for many years. Katie's passion lies in healthcare, where she currently serves as a clinic health aide for Westerville City Schools. During the summer break, she takes on the rewarding role of Site Leader for the Kids Lunch Club through Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) – this is her first summer in the position.

Jim, 49, and Katie, 43, crossed paths in September 2016, and their friendship blossomed into something more. They officially began dating in January 2019. As a blended family, they share nine beautiful children between them, with five currently ranging in age from 6 to 13. The love they have for each other and their kids is truly remarkable. They're a family built on a foundation of compassion, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to helping others, always striving to remain positive and grateful, even in the face of challenges. Currently, they're navigating one of the most difficult times they've ever faced.

In November 2023, Jim received a devastating diagnosis: pancreatic cancer. He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the cancer was scheduled to follow. However, the procedure was postponed twice due to Jim suffering heart attacks just before the planned surgery dates. His road to surgery was paved with countless appointments at the Zangmeister Cancer Center, Mount Carmel East, the surgeon's office, his primary care physician, and a cardiologist. To make surgery possible, Jim was placed on numerous medications, and he had to endure regular bloodwork, stress tests, and breathing tests. Finally, on March 26, 2024, he underwent the long-awaited surgery. The hope was for a robotic surgery with minimal incisions, but the cancer had wrapped around a main vein, necessitating a more invasive open surgery. The 10-hour procedure was followed by 9 days in the ICU, where Jim was closely monitored while recovering from the intense pain. Despite the challenges, he remained hopeful, praying each day that the surgeons had successfully removed all the cancer.

Sadly, their hopes were dashed when they discovered the cancer had spread to Jim's liver. A biopsy confirmed the worst: the pancreatic cancer had taken hold in his liver, and further testing revealed stage 4 cancer. There is no cure for this aggressive form of the disease, and Jim's time is now limited.

This week, he began an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, along with other medications, one of which will be administered through a port implanted under his skin on 6/26/24. While the treatment won't cure him, the family holds onto the hope that it will extend the precious time he has left with them. They're cherishing every moment, making the most of each day, but the reality of their situation weighs heavily on them.

As you can imagine, Jim and his family are reeling from this diagnosis. The emotional, mental, physical, and financial toll has been staggering. They've been battling this disease since November, missing work for treatments and appointments, and accumulating mounting medical bills.

If you have it in your heart, please consider donating to this GoFundMe. This will help alleviate some of the financial stress they're under. Every dollar makes a difference.

Again, if you have it in your heart, please share this post with your family and friends and let's rally around Jim, Katie, and their amazing children in their time of need.

Your prayers, positive comments, donations, and offers of support mean the world to them. If you're able to help in any way, any way at all, please consider helping this family.

Much love to all. ❤️