Middletown Mailman Needs Your Help
Kevin Moran has been such a light for so many in the neighborhood. Now his family is asking for your help as this one-of-a-kind mailman battles cancer.
Hundreds of people in Monmouth County have come together to raise money to help a well-loved mailman who has been a loyal member of the community for over 36 years.
Kevin Moran was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell esophageal cancer and after withstanding 9 rounds of chemotherapy, a GoFundMe was launched to help the Moran family cover the steep costs of physical and occupational therapists, as well as in-home nurses to support his ongoing treatment.
Kevin has lived in Middletown all of his life. He is a beloved son, husband, brother, father of three, grandfather of four (soon to be five), and friend to many. He has been a mailman for 36 years -- a letter carrier who has gone above and beyond for those who have been lucky enough to live on his route. There probably aren't many mailmen who get texts about packages on the weekends!
Here's a message from his family:
"Kevin began to experience stomach pain and difficulty getting food down in the summer of 2019. He was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell esophageal cancer that had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is not usually diagnosed until it is advanced and it tends to proceed along an aggressive course. Kevin quickly lost the ability to eat typical foods and began eating only smoothies, soup broth, etc. and could still drink most liquids.
Kevin completed nine rounds of chemotherapy throughout the late summer and fall of 2019. He faced typical side effects of chemotherapy including nausea, discomfort, hair loss, and weight loss. Despite these treatments, the chemotherapy was ultimately unsuccessful and several of his tumors continued to grow including the one in his esophagus. Over the course of a few months, Kevin lost the ability to swallow all foods and essentially all fluids as well. In December of 2019, he had a gastrostomy tube placed which is a surgical procedure that now allows nutrition to be delivered directly to his stomach through his abdomen. Though it is a relief that Kevin has a way to ingest more food, there are ongoing medical costs related to the supportive care needed to obtain nutrition in this manner, and to deal with complications.
Also beginning in December 2019, Kevin’s treatment regimen was changed from chemotherapy to a combination of radiation and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy for his type of cancer is very new, and a battle ensued with Kevin’s insurance company for them to cover the drug which is thousands of dollars each time. Even with the insurance company finally agreeing, the out-of-pocket copay is substantial. Radiation has been difficult and painful, and this has necessitated further treatment with liquid pain medication.
Kevin has also faced numerous complications in the past month related to his illness and his treatment. Prior to his cancer diagnosis he had Type 2 diabetes. For unknown reasons, in the past month his body has completely stopped making insulin. During his radiation appointment in January of 2020, his vitals were off and his blood pressure was way too low. Kevin was hospitalized and his blood sugar was found to be extremely high. It was determined that Kevin would need to inject daily insulin for the rest of his life, another drug which is more expensive than it should be. Kevin was hospitalized for a week after further complications. Related to his cancer, blood clots have formed in his legs which have traveled to his lungs. These blood clots are life threatening and will need to be closely monitored and treated continuously with blood thinners.
Due to his illness, Kevin has not been able to work since the time of his diagnosis. Even with health insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses have been substantial and have grown a great deal in a short period of time. Further support personnel including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses will be needed in home to support his ongoing treatment in the future.
Everyone who knows Kevin knows you will never meet a nicer guy or someone who cares more about other people. We have only made it this far because of the overwhelming support of family and friends, and we are so grateful. Kevin and his family have been amazed by how many people have reached out to offer kindness and help. Should you choose to donate, the funds will be used for medical treatment and associated costs along the way as Kevin continues to fight for his life.
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this. We wish you all good health and happiness in 2020.
With love,
Kevin’s family"
If you would like to donate, CLICK HERE.