When looking for possible KARE Foundation candidates, you become somewhat of a stalker to GoFundMe sites, since there is obviously a need for financial support when fighting these life-threatening diseases like Glioblastoma brain cancer and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy heart disease. This is how KARE connected with Jimmy Mayo, the Foundation’s 2nd Glioblastoma fighter for our “Go Grey for May” focus when finding recipients. 

In mid-August of 2024, Jimmy had a seizure out of nowhere! He was healthy and active, so the seizure was a shock to the family. The Doctors did not find anything on his CT scans, so they put him on seizure medication. However, in late October he started having memory loss and was acting strange, so his wife Sally knew something was wrong and took him to the emergency room. That is when the medical team found swelling on the brain with a large tumor. The family was shocked… they thought the seizure meds were the cause of his change in behavior.

Jimmy had his craniotomy to remove the tumor on November 5th… and the news was devastating. Jimmy had an extremely fast-growing Grade 4 Glioblastoma. After the surgery, Jimmy started the standard treatment regime but unfortunately his last MRI showed regrowth. ☹ The medical team decided the best approach at this point was to change his treatments to Avastin infusions coupled with chemo.  Avastin is an option for regrowth of the tumor, but it does preclude the patient from pretty much any trails available to Glioblastoma patients.

Jimmy and his wife Sally have 1 daughter and 3 granddaughters (twin 8-year-olds and a 2-month-old). Sally described her husband as the best girl dad and granddad!!  The Mayo’s live in Connecticut and he grew up working hard on a small farm. At a very young age he found his passion in construction. For the past 43 years he has continued to build his career as a Project Manager in the construction industry. He was not only a boss, but a friend and mentor. Unfortunately, Jimmy had to put his career in the rearview mirror to focus on his treatments. In addition, as the caregiver, Sally must take leave to be with Jimmy since he needs constant support.

During my conversation with Sally, she emphasized that Jimmy is a very kind and generous man who will go out of his way for anyone who needs his time. He is a total family man who loves being home with his family and friends. He loves to cook for anyone willing to eat his delicious food. He also enjoys projects around the house and mowing the lawn.

Jimmy and Sally are NOT giving up their dreams for the future and plan to fight this cancer with everything they have.  The KARE Foundation is so honored to have connected with the Mayo family and to provide some financial support to help them focus on their fight!!!

We ask for prayers and positive energy as Jimmy and his family embark on this journey. We also want to thank our generous donors for providing the KARE Foundation funds to make a positive impact for these families fighting their diseases.

 “GO GREY FOR MAY” !! The KARE Foundation would be honored if you would consider donating this month in honor of Paul’s passing in May, as well as for all those warriors fighting this beast of a brain cancer!!!

Blessings all! Life is precious…