Tim Jackson - A Journey Through Cancer

Tim’s cancer journey began back in 2021 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After several surgeries and evaluating various treatment options, Tim and Cole prayerfully decided to receive medical treatment through alternative means through the Burzinski Clinic in Houston Texas. The Burzinski clinic specializes in new cancer treatments that utilizes immunotherapy and gene targeting treatment that has shown promising results. This was a hard decision but felt at peace to pursue this direction, even though the cost of this treatment was not covered by insurance. After 7 months of treatment and lots of prayer, on December 7, 2023 Tim was officially rid from his prostate cancer and declared cancer free.

On January 8th Tim suffered a seizure that alerted neuro specialists to find a tumor that was successfully removed through surgery on January 12, 2024. Through tumor biopsy it was discovered that Tim had a terminal brain cancer called Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM. This is a grade 4 brain tumor with a terminal diagnosis. There is currently no known cure in Western medicine through traditional treatment. The standard treatment of chemo and radiation do not offer a better prognosis nor quality of life at this time.

After numerous oncology consultations around the country, conversations, and continued prayer, Tim and Cole have decided to seek treatment again through the Burzinski clinic in Houston. This treatment has shown promising results in similar cases with GBM, offering a higher quality of life and increased chances of a longer life.

We are thankful for the option of alternative medical treatments to cancer, however this has been a very expensive route to take. Though the Burzinski clinic is showing possible positive results with their treatment and outcomes with various cancers (specializing in terminal brain cancer), it is still in clinical trials and treatment is not covered by insurance.

Tim and Cole have spent roughly $130,000 out of pocket for his Prostate Cancer treatment. They are now anticipating spending another $176,000 out of pocket in the next 8 months of treatment for his current GBM diagnosis (totaling roughly $306,000).

Here's the breakdown of out-of-pocket costs for this treatment:

• A 24/7 infusion pump administered at home to systemically kill any remaining cancer GBM stem cells hiding out post-surgery. This is $17,000 per month.

• A bi-monthly immunotherapy infusion of a medication called Avastin. This medication helps the 3 targeted oral meds to bypass the blood-brain barrier. Fortunately, this one is mostly covered by insurance, however, it involves flying to Texas every two weeks to be administered in-person by an oncology team on site. This roughly equals 16 flights to and from Houston for both Tim and Cole over the next 8 months.

• Three targeted meds taken orally each day, only one of which is partially covered by insurance. This is an additional $4,400 per month.

• This all adds up to about $21,400 per month out-of-pocket expenses just for medications for the next 8 months.

This is where we need your help. Tim and Cole have already pulled from savings and retirement to pay for the previous prostate cancer treatment. This new, terminal and more aggressive cancer, has blindsided them and their family. We humbly ask for your support in raising $176,000 to help cover a significant portion of the expenses associated with Tim’s cancer treatment. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in Tim and Cole’s journey towards healing and recovery.

Those who know Tim and Cole are well acquainted with their warmth, generosity, humility, and the sacrificial love they constantly show to those around them. Tim has dedicated his life to supporting and walking alongside others through his time in ministry and his counseling practice. This is an opportunity to walk alongside him and Cole as they navigate this second unknown and unexpected battle with cancer. No human on earth can heal Tim’s body or take this burden from him, however we can help alleviate financial stress as they seek healing through alternative means.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tyler, Tamara, and Tracey

(Tim and Cole's children)

Note: for regular updates on Tim's health, see https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/timjacksonstory