Support Kirk Heilman’s Fight Against Cancer
On January 19th, our 5-year wedding anniversary, our world was turned upside down. My husband, Kirk Heilman, went to the ER with severe back pain, only for us to receive the devastating news that he had stage 3 testicular cancer. Scans revealed masses from his abdomen to his lungs. Within 24 hours, we learned that a large retroperitoneal tumor was blocking his stomach, compressing his lungs, and threatening his life.
Kirk was rushed to the ICU, where an NG tube was placed to drain his abdomen. Thanks to an incredible oncologist who advocated for him, chemotherapy was started immediately in the ICU. Kirk responded amazingly—his tumor began to shrink, and the blockage was cleared. However, his journey was far from over. He underwent an orchiectomy and four grueling rounds of chemotherapy.
While the initial results seemed promising, just two months later, we received more difficult news—Kirk’s cancer was still growing. His doctors recommended two sequential stem cell transplants, requiring extended hospital stays.
Despite the physical toll, Kirk has shown incredible resilience, working whenever possible to support our family. Unfortunately, the reality of ongoing treatments has meant he’s been unable to work for much of the year. Our family relies on both our incomes, and this situation has placed a significant financial strain on us.
As much as we hate to ask for help, this is a battle we can’t face alone. The mounting medical bills, travel costs for treatments, and the loss of income have made it difficult to focus on what matters most: Kirk’s recovery and our family’s well-being.
We’re asking for your support to help us navigate this challenging time. Your generosity will go directly toward medical expenses, everyday living costs, and ensuring Kirk gets the care he needs to fight this cancer. Every donation, no matter the size, means the world to us. If you’re unable to give, sharing our story would also mean so much.
Thank you for standing with us and being part of Kirk’s fight. Your kindness gives us hope and strength as we face this together.
