I'm reaching out on behalf of my sister, Jobee, and her husband, Jay Bastien, who are facing an unimaginable battle. In April 2024, Jay was diagnosed with Stage 2 Esophageal Cancer. Initially, we believed he would have the strength to fight and remain with us for years to come.

Jay bravely underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, enduring significant physical challenges, including a loss of 100 pounds and most of his muscle mass. By August, after completing his treatment, Jay had a clear PET scan except for the original tumor, which had shrunk. We felt hopeful as he prepared for surgery to regain his strength and reclaim his life. However, in the weeks that followed, everything changed. Jay faced two hospitalizations due to esophageal bleeds, and just two days before his surgery, we received devastating news: his insurance had denied coverage for the procedure. Jobee and the surgeon fought tirelessly for an exception, which was ultimately granted, but not without uncovering a shocking truth—insurance had denied coverage for many of his treatments for months without informing us. We were left with an estimated $200,000 in uncovered medical expenses, not including two hospital stays, ambulance rides, and future treatments.

On September 19th, Jay went into surgery filled with hope. Tragically, it was halted just hours in; the cancer had spread aggressively, affecting not just his stomach but also his liver. Jay was given the heart-wrenching news that he may only have six months to live. Our world shattered as we faced the reality of his condition, and our focus shifted to ensuring he receives the best possible care and support.

Jobee is the heart of our family—her love and light touch everyone she meets. For over 26 years, Jay has been her unwavering support, a steadfast father to their daughters, Jaeda and Jessica, and a loving grandfather to their sweet granddaughter, Lily. Jay’s hard work and dedication allowed Jobee to be a stay-at-home mom for a decade, and now she is carrying the weight of their family on a modest single income while being Jay’s primary caregiver.

Throughout their lives, Jobee and Jay have always been there for others, often sacrificing their own needs to help those in need. Now, it’s our turn to rally around them. Jay, who has always been the “driver” on their countless adventures, needs our support to ease the mounting financial burdens so that they can focus on what truly matters—cherishing their time together.

The outpouring of love and support from friends, family and community has been heartwarming, but many have asked how they can help. We are still in the beginning stages of figuring out what comes next. We’ve set up this GoFundMe to cover treatment costs, travel expenses, end-of-life expenses, and to help Jobee transition to a single-income household during this challenging time.

With cancer, nothing is predictable, and we cannot plan for the future. We can only hope for the best as Jay continues his fight. Your generosity can make a real difference in their lives during this difficult journey. Thank you for considering helping Jobee and Jay. Your support means the world to us.