Struggling with Life After Cancer

Two years ago, my brother John received a life-altering diagnosis of rectal cancer. His rectum had to be removed and he now permanently wears a colostomy bag. Fortunately, he is currently cancer free, but complications persist. Since his surgery, he has been in the hospital every couple of months to be treated for abcesses and hernias related to the colostomy bag. Some of these episodes have been life threatening and have necessitated additional surgeries.

John has always been a hard worker, and continued to work for as long as he was physically able. Last February, he had to leave his job as an electrician and was forced to go on disability. When he did, he lost his Medicaid. He has tried to find a less physically demanding job, but employers are worried about the liability. Without a job, he has no health insurance, and struggles to pay his increasing medical bills and living expenses. As difficult as this would be on his own, he is also helping to support his teenage granddaughter, who lives with him.

Throughout this ordeal, John has tried to remain positive, and is always quick to tell a joke and bring a smile to whomever he is talking to. He has been very courageous, but is overwhelmed by the way he has to live after beating cancer. John won't ask for help, so I'm doing it for him. Any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.