Former Portland Mercury writer (and forever friend) Will "Mac" Gardner is currently fighting brain cancer in his current home of Oakland, California, and needs the help of friends to pay for his medical attention. Already there's been a huge outpouring of support for Will, but there's still more to be done! Join me and other Mercury staffers and lifelong friends in giving this terrific person a helping hand. Especially considering all the hilarious joy he's given us! From the YouCaring crowdfunding site:
If you have had the joy of meeting Will "Mac" Gardner, you've had the joy of meeting a wondrously sweet, smart, funny, and loving friend. Now is the time to return that love and joy and ensure Will has the best possible support and opportunities to stay resilient as he fights brain cancer.
You may know Will “Mac” because of his powerful writing and art. Maybe you were a fan of his column in the Portland Mercury where you enjoyed his experiential reporting on everything from a day at a nudist colony to the wacky world of cuddle parties.
Or perhaps you know of his swimming prowess. Will is a high-school Kentucky State Champion in the 400 IM, a winning breaststroker, and more recently a member of the Tsunami swim team.
Or maybe you have just benefited from having a dear friend in your life.
Now Will is battling brain cancer and needs your support. In 2002, Will started experiencing grand mal seizures and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His first brain surgery was in 2004 and that was when he learned the tumor was malignant. He successfully recovered from his first surgery but in 2013, he fought his second battle with a brain tumor, also successfully beating a new growth through surgery alone. Since then, Will had been doing wonderfully, moving to the San Francisco Bay Area where he worked with our LGBTQ film festival, joined a swim team, and established even more community.
As recently as August of 2015, Will had a normal MRI. As recently as January 2016 he came in second in his age division at a Swim-a-Mile. But by February, he was diagnosed with a new tumor growth and this new tumor is not going away without a huge battle. Will is now in full warrior mode…fighting for his independence, his ability to work, and his life. A surgery on March 11th removed 75% of the new growth, although the tumor continues to grow and deeply impact Will's mobility and health. Another impact of his brain cancer is aphasia- which greatly impacts his ability to speak and communicate, and apraxia, which impacts his ability to move the right side of his body.
Last week Will began a 42 day treatment of chemotherapy and radiation to try and reduce the tumor, but also bringing additional side effects.
Will is a warrior and is deeply grateful for the love he has received so far. So many people are asking, "How can I help?"
Ensuring that Will has his medical and living expenses taken care of, and ensuring he has access to every tool available for his health and well-being is one of the best ways you can help.
Please give what you can. There are lots of contributions you can make in addition to monetary ones outlined below.
Should there be surplus funds from this fundraiser, Will has decided he would like those monies to be donated to The Anti-Violence Project which empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy. We will honor this wish and donate any un-needed funds.
Donations will be used for:
Accessibility equipment such as a ramp and adjustable bed
Home health care
Access to alternative therapies, herbs and medicines ($60 a week for acupuncture, $100 a month for herbs)
Basic living expenses (The Bay is expensive. About $2100 a month)
Monthly COBRA cost for health care ($400 a month)
Funds to support Will's dream of taking a vacation this year
In addition to monies, we are also accepting contributions of:
Gift cards (to help buy groceries, or for massages)
Food- See the meal train we have going for Will
Donation of time for local folks to help with house cleaning, yard work, etc.
Airplane miles to help loved ones visit, and for the travel fund
Timeshare points to help with the travel fund
Mail! Will would love to receive cards and letters
Music mixes, DVDs and DVD suggestions
Photos of Will- post them to this page!
Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated. DONATE HERE NOW.
