Wolf's Health & Cancer Warchest Fund

Dear Friends, 4/19/2024

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you today because I have been going through a difficult health journey, and I am in need of your help. In December 2018, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, I managed to beat it for a time, but my health has taken a toll since then. In February 2020, I had a heart attack, and in 2021, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Unfortunately, in June 2022, I discovered a new swollen lymph node at the original cancer site, and the signs pointed to a relapse. I had to undergo surgery in September 2022 to remove and biopsy a 5cm lymph node, which tested positive for a recurrence of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This time, the treatment plan was far more aggressive, and I had to undergo chemotherapy and stem cell replacement therapy, which essentially stripped away my immune system and replaced it. During this treatment, I required several blood transfusions and platelets, and the process took the better part of December 2022 and 3 weeks in the hospital. The hope was that this would also cure or help with my other autoimmune diseases, Crohn's and Lupus respectively, but unfortunately, both diseases came back with a vengeance.

Sometime in March 2023 I developed what's called Graft vs Host Disease and it was a nightmare I developed an ugly painful rash that covered 70% of my body as of late June 2023 it started to get a little better and the cancer was in remission again, In March of 2024 I had another swollen Lymph node suggesting the cancer has come back, a new Diabetes Diagnosis to add to the list of major health issues. The ongoing treatments are expensive, not to mention the mountain of credit card debt that we've accumulated to cover the larger co-pays and supplementing lost income over the past 5 years. This is why I am reaching out to you today to ask for your support. Any financial assistance that you can provide will be greatly appreciated, and it will help me to continue fighting this battle.

A little about me I go by Wolf - it's been my nickname since I was a kid. Professionally, I've had a diverse career, working as an IT guy, theater manager, video editor, business consultant, actor, director, and writer. Before my most recent diagnosis, I was also a part-time Lyft driver.

My hobbies have been a consistent source of joy over the years. I've been performing in various Rocky Horror Picture Show casts for over 30 years, and Repo! The Genetic Opera casts for over 10 years. I ran the shadow casts at Spooky Empire - one of the biggest horror conventions in the US - for over 17 years. I've also been part of the Renaissance Faire community for decades and ran Wolf's Swordmasters until 2017. When I'm feeling well enough, I enjoy going on fossil and gem hunting expeditions. I also love to cook for my friends and family, and hosting large gatherings is one of my favorite things to do. As a self-proclaimed giant nerd, my home is adorned with all things Star Wars, Star Trek, Godzilla, Firefly, Lovecraft, and other assorted geek fandoms. In 2020, I sold off a chunk of my collection to help with costs.

I have been happily married to my wife for close to 14years. Our home though small is shared with our pup Gideon, and friends and family members who visit. We had to down size to a mobile home community last year as expenses keep pilling up but even still we love to have company over, Our friends and family mean the world to us - both blood and chosen. Many come to me when they have problems, and I enjoy being in that role. I'm fiercely loyal, and many can attest to that.

I understand that everyone's financial situation is different, and I appreciate any help that you can provide. If you are unable to contribute monetarily, please consider sharing my story with your network. Any help in spreading the word will be of great assistance.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I am grateful for your support and kindness during this challenging time. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Frank Wolf Connell