Somerville Woman Reaches Out For Support As Father Battles Cancer

SOMERVILLE, MA — A resident is asking the community for support in the aftermath of a life-changing diagnosis to a loved one.

Jacqueline Haycox’s father Ron Hersey was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer at the beginning of the year. He is in the midst of an approximately nine-month treatment plan that includes chemotherapy and radiation. Haycox said the last three months have been overwhelming for her and her family, but she was confident from the start that her father was ready to fight the illness.

“My dad got his diagnosis in early January and a few weeks later my step dad who helped raise me passed away suddenly,” Jaycox told Patch. “The financial strain has become really stressful for my dad and radiation hit him a lot harder than he expected.”

Haycox organized a GoFundMe in order to raise money for her dad’s medical expenses, and the online fundraiser has raised $9,175 of its $20,000 goal as of Tuesday, April 14.

“Medical bills, treatment costs, travel, and daily living expenses will add up quickly,” Haycox said. “My dad is self-employed and it’s likely that he won’t be able to work during much of his treatment, leaving us uncertain about the future and how we’ll manage everything that comes with it…We are raising funds to help offset medical expenses, household bills, and unexpected costs that may arise during this difficult time.”

Hersey has been sober for nine years, and Haycox said he has brought that same resilient mindset that led him to beat addiction to his fight with cancer.

“My dads strength through all of this has been inspiring. I know it’s hard for him having to slow down, but I’m so proud of the adjustments he’s had to make to keep himself healthy,” Haycox told Patch. “He’s always had a great sense of humor and that hasn’t changed throughout this. Even when he’s feeling his worst he can still crack a joke and I love that.”

Hersey started IV chemotherapy on Monday, April 13.

See Also:

Somerville To Host 2 Prescription Drug Take Back Day Drop-Off Events

Judge Rules Somerville Church Can Continue Operating Homeless Shelter

Somerville Police Looking For Armed Robbery Suspect

Boston-born Celebrity Stops In At Somerville Cafe

Somerville Police Solve Case Of Missing Tools

Somerville Landlord-tenant Legal Battle Goes To Trial

Somerville Residents Refuse To Sell Property To YMCA

Somerville-based Cement Manufacturing Startup Issues Large-scale Layoffs

Somerville Teacher Building A Legacy Through Her Work

Somerville City Councilor Launches Campaign For State Rep.