“I’m setting up this GoFundMe to help relieve the overwhelming debt this beautiful family has faced during Geoff’s courageous fight against pancreatic cancer,” wrote Melissa Fox, and I’m Geoff and Helaine’s cousin, who organized the effort.
Fox was 75 at the time of his passing, and had been diagnosed with cancer in 2016. He entered home hospice care in September, after learning that cancerous growths had been discovered on his liver and lungs, in addition to his pancreas.
As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $16,000 toward a goal of $38,500; more than 130 people have contributed to the effort.
During the past two years, as Geoff battled and lost his ability to work, the family “exhausted their savings and accumulated significant debt,” according to Melissa Fox, trying to pay medical bills not covered by insurance; basic living expenses; additional care and treatment costs; and household necessities.
“Now, Helaine is left not only grieving the loss of her beloved husband but facing crushing financial pressure that no family should endure after such a devastating loss,” Melissa wrote.
The funds will go toward helping Helaine pay off outstanding medical and treatment debt; cover funeral and memorial expenses; catch up on essential bills; and “have some breathing room to grieve and rebuild her life.”
To view the GoFundMe campaign to assist the family of the late Geoff Fox, click here.
