Friends Help Hamptons Artist Navigate 'Dire' Reality After Cancer

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Friends who love him are rallying around an East Hampton man facing a life-altering diagnosis.

Artist and curator Alex DiJulio, who lives in Springs, was diagnosed unexpectedly with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer in February, said Elena Frampton and Kristina Felix, who have organized a GoFundMe page, "Support Alex's Battle Against Stage 4 Cancer."

DiJulio had a gallery in New York City and curated shows on the East End.

"The disease has taken a severe toll on his body," they wrote. "The enlarged tumor and the spread of cancer have caused him pain and nausea, significant weight loss, and extreme fatigue. He lives with constant discomfort, day and night."

Alex, they said, underwent immunotherapy treatment over the past few months, along with many procedures to drain fluid from his stomach cavity and lung lining. In May, he had robotic laparoscopic surgery to bypass the tumor obstruction, providing some relief so he can focus on gaining weight and continuing his fight against cancer.

"Unfortunately, the cancer has not responded to immunotherapy, and he has begun chemotherapy," the GoFundMe page said. His team at Memorial Sloan Kettering plans to reassess his prognosis and response to chemotherapy in September, organizers added.

"Alex has always been a truly independent spirit, so asking for help has not been easy," Frampton and Felix wrote this spring. "However, worsening symptoms have drastically reduced his quality of life and capacity to function. He is no longer well enough to work, and his gallery space is closing this month, leaving him without the ability to earn a living. This fundraiser comes from the difficult reality of his dire situation. We've organized this fundraiser to cover Alex's essential expenses: mortgage, utilities, food, transportation to treatments, and general living costs. Your contributions will help Alex fight his cancer and stay housed and comfortable during this challenging time. Thank you for your support."

The pair also wrote an update in June, explaining that Alex was recovering from his first chemotherapy treatment at home.

"He's overwhelmed with gratitude for your generosity and support. Chemotherapy was not easy; in fact, it was traumatic, as Alex had an immediate severe reaction that mirrored an overdose," they said. "The medical team will make adjustments to the medications and lengthen the infusion time. We hope this will make the second treatment easier."

They added that there was one bit of good news: "Alex has regained his sense of humor, which had dwindled due to the constant pain and nausea he endured before surgeons bypassed a tumor in his digestive system. With the weather improving, Alex spends as much time as he can outside in his yard, appreciating the cool breeze and sounds of nature, a simple pleasure he’s feeling well enough to enjoy for now."

Frampton and Felix added: "A sincere thank you to everyone who has shared and supported this fundraiser. Cancer is absolutely terrible, and knowing Alex has your support has brought much relief as he navigates treatment."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.