THE STEVE BERGMAN CANCER FUND

The smiling man in the video is Steve Bergman, shown with his loving wife of 30 years, our cousin Jennifer Thompson Bergman, as well as their two sons, Mark and Adam.

 

Steve has always been the picture of health – until a little over a month ago.

 

In March, Steve (a nonsmoker) was suddenly and inexplicably diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF mutation-1, a rare, aggressive, and terminal form of lung cancer.

 

His oncologist is projecting Steve will live up to one year, two at best. The goal of treatment is simply to prolong some quality of life as his disease progresses, allowing him as much time as possible to be fully present with his family and other loved ones.

 

However, since his diagnosis just several weeks ago, the cancer has been mercilessly aggressive, and Steve has been in and out of the hospital with lung and vascular emergencies, resulting in the near amputation of his foot, among other complications.

 

He is currently in the ICU, which could jeopardize his ability to start his life-affirming course of treatment as soon as possible. But he will begin treatment.

 

This treatment (along with the myriad of other costs accompanying a terminal diagnosis) is overwhelmingly expensive. The family’s health insurance, long term care insurance, and applied-for medical grants can help, but not nearly enough. The costs are quite staggering.

 

To avoid such costs, Jennifer and their boys, Mark and Adam, have been trying to care for Steve themselves, but his home health needs are extensive, and will only increase as the cancer progresses. This fund is being set up to help allay the monthly costs of his treatment, and to cover the deductible for long term care insurance.

 

Steve is the warmest, most loving of humans. His family is still in shock that this is happening, and at such lightning speed. He and they deserve to just focus on being a loving family for all the time they have together.

 

Whatever you can give…