Lucas Gifford, a 30-year-old Fairfield native and gifted artist, is facing a heartbreaking turn in his battle with a rare, aggressive cancer that has now spread further and led to severe complications.
Gifford, who is currently hospitalized at Deaconess Hospital, has been referred to a specialist in Indianapolis after doctors discovered the cancer had broken his back and neck. According to his sister, Jessica Rowark, the tumor is aggressively attacking surrounding muscles, causing intense pain and additional complications. The mass is also dangerously positioned, making surgery extremely risky.
“The neck is broken in a way that it’s pushing on his spinal cord,” Rowark shared. “It’s giving him nerve problems that randomly make his arms useless. There’s a chance of paralysis. The surgery they need to perform to prevent that would take most of his time left in recovery. They said less than six months. At most nine.”
Gifford has lost the ability to work during treatment, and his sister has also had to miss significant time from her job to care for him and transport him to Indianapolis. Despite these challenges, Gifford continues to sell his artwork to help offset some medical costs.
A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Rowark, has already raised over $12,780, but the family faces mounting medical bills. For those wishing to help, donations can be made:
Via GoFundMe: Click here (use actual link if available)
Venmo: @Jessica-Rowark
Mail: 868 Rosewood Lane, Fairfield, IL
“This has been unimaginable,” Rowark said, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of community support as they navigate this difficult journey.
For more on Lucas’ story or to see his artwork, supporters can follow updates shared by family and friends.
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