Help Hope Live for Jack Leapoldt
In early July, Jack went in for a routine colonoscopy. He had been experiencing some GI symptoms similar to IBS, but we weren’t really expecting anything unusual from this procedure. The colonoscopy revealed an aggressive rectal tumor. The biopsy revealed that it’s a type of cancer caused by a mismatch repair protein deficiency. CT scan confirmed that it’s stage 3. This is a big upside in our story because this type of cancer is very responsive to immunotherapy. If all goes well, his treatment should take about a year.
Jack will begin receiving infusions every three weeks starting at the end of July. We don’t really know how he will respond to the treatment, so it’s unclear how much support we’ll need with day to day things, like cooking, cleaning, and company for Lucy. What we do know is that we will have hit our out-of-pocket maximum of $7,250 after two treatments, and we’re going to be starting over again in January if his treatment takes longer than six months. We are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Illness. Donations that come through Help Hope Live are tax-deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.
Updates (5)
November 1, 2025
Jack had his second MRI (after three months of treatment) yesterday, on Halloween. He got an email this morning with the results. The tumor, which was originally 11 cm long, is now only 4 cm!! We haven't heard anything from his doctor yet since it's Saturday, but I'm extremely happy with this result. I think we're looking at another 9 months of treatment still, but the progress has been much faster than we expected. He's also feeling really good and having very minimal side effects from the treatment. We've received so much support from our friends and family, and we are deeply grateful. It's helped keep us afloat financially with all of the unexpected medical bills, and the help with meals has helped decrease my load and my stress levels significantly. Thank you, thank you, thank you all.
September 2, 2025
This is an exciting update to write!We heard from Jack's oncologist over the weekend and learned that his CEA levels (the marker they are using to gauge the treatment's effectiveness) went DOWN from over 8 to 1.6! For reference, less than three is considered normal.We aren't taking this to mean that he's cancer free after two treatments, but his symptoms are markedly better, and the treatment is clearly working!We've been able to pay the bulk of the medical bills so far with the help we've received from our community - we appreciate you all so much! And friends and family who have helped out by bringing us food or hanging out with Lucy - you have no idea how much this has helped reduced our stress levels. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We are endlessly grateful.
Guestbook
August 1, 2025
Let us know how he responds to his treatments. Our prayers and love are sent up for him.
Aunt Bea
July 31, 2025
I hope this will help
Get well
Anonymous
July 31, 2025
Our love and prayers go out to your family. God is at your side.
Beatrice Robertson
