Hi everyone, Taylor here.
You may already know our story, or maybe you’re just learning it now. My husband, Jonathan, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer right after Thanksgiving, 2023, at only 27 years old. Since then, our world has changed in every imaginable way. This coming November will mark two years since that life-altering day.
In that time, Jonathan has undergone an intense and ongoing treatment journey: 11 rounds of chemo before surgery, a major liver resection, implantation of a hepatic artery infusion (HAI) pump, and most recently, histotripsy to noninvasively target remaining tumors. While the pump-based treatment (FUDR) unfortunately failed, he has since completed 8 additional rounds of systemic chemotherapy this year—bringing him to 19 rounds total. Despite everything, he keeps going. And we keep hoping.
Since surgery, Jonathan’s care has been centered at UCSF, where he is followed by an incredible team of specialists. We also travel to City of Hope in Los Angeles for major procedures. Our routine includes frequent drives from Modesto to UCSF Berkeley for labs, imaging, and chemo.
I’ve been on medical leave from work since April 2024. I’m Jonathan’s full-time caregiver, advocate, and insurance provider. But I’ve also been navigating my own mental health challenges—including PTSD, anxiety, and panic disorder. MetLife has denied my long-term disability benefits, which I’m actively appealing. In the meantime, we have no stable income since March 2025, and I’ve recently entered an intensive outpatient program to care for my mental health.
Why we need support:
• Gas & travel costs: We travel to UCSF Berkeley multiple times a week. Gas, tolls, parking, and car maintenance add up quickly.
• Cost of living: I added Jonathan to my health insurance to ensure he has no delays in care. Our plan has an $8,000 out-of-pocket max—and that doesn’t include our mortgage, food, or daily essentials.
• Unreimbursed treatment: We paid nearly $50,000 out of pocket for Jonathan’s histotripsy procedure while we wait on insurance reimbursement.
• Mental health & survival: I’m doing everything I can to keep us afloat—emotionally and financially—but we’re at a breaking point.
This journey is a marathon. Jonathan’s team still believes he has a real shot at a cure, and we’re doing everything we can to give him that chance. But we can’t do it alone.
If you’re able to donate, we’re endlessly grateful. If not, sharing this helps more than you know. Thank you for helping us carry this load.
With love and gratitude,
Taylor & Jonathan
