Support the McAdam Family

One in a million. That is how rare Jeff's cancer diagnosis is today. The McAdam family's lives changed forever on August 1st. Jeff went into the Emergency Room at Scripps Memorial with back and neck pain and a slight tingling sensation down his left arm and leg. He thought maybe a blood clot? Or a simple pinched nerve? CT scans and multiple MRIs revealed neither of those. Instead, a large, cancerous tumor on his neck. More tests lead to more questionable spots/lesions, But none of them as scary as the big one on his spine. Their world turned upside down. Jeff's family flew in immediately from Colorado to take care of the 38-year-old dad of two, Jeff and Danica's two children, Landon, 3, and Goldene 2. 

The most aggressive tumor, doctors are calling a chordoma, was wrapped around multiple vertebrae on Jeff's neck. As if the news could not get worse for their family, neurosurgeons said part of it was inoperable without the risk of paralyzing Jeff or causing a stroke. The neurosurgeon team had to remove one of his vertebrae because the large tumor had eroded the bone so much that his neck would be unstable. He had the major surgery and is now in a long recovery period. Scripps' neuro team removed as much of the tumor as they could, except the part that was inoperable. Doctors said there is a rough road ahead including the other lesions that still need to be addressed. We pray the others are all benign.

The next few months are equally critical, as they are unknown, as they may have to travel out of state to consult with doctors who specialize in this extremely rare spine cancer to explore additional surgeries and radiation treatment possibilities. 

And yet, insurance only takes them so far...

It's going to be a long and exhausting journey for the family, both emotionally and financially. They are currently using the money to pay for trips to see specialists. The McAdam's send their heart-felt thank you's to those dear friends who have already shown up to support them. They welcome anyone who has the ability to send a prayer or support. Your kindness will never be forgotten.