Colorist Justin Ponsor was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Renal Carcinoma. The cancer is also known as kidney cancer which normally starts in the tubules of the kidneys. It’s the seventh most common cancer among men and the ninth most common in women. Stage 3 indicates the “cancer is also present in a lymph node near the kidney, or in a main kidney blood vessel or fatty tissue around the kidney.”
Ponsor believed he was cancer free and “that the surgeons were confident the primary tumor is 100% out, gone, finito, adios, sayonara, etc. Additionally, both my removed adrenal gland and lymph node checked out negative for lesions.”
Unfortunately, just last week he reported more terrible news. He noted his “scans show metastases in [his] lungs and especially [his] liver. The largest is up to 7 cm at this point.” But not only did they find metasteses in his lungs and liver, they also found cancer in his duodenum, and in his brain.
It’s truly tragic. But the comic book community is rallying around Ponsor. Many comic book professionals are taking to Twitter to let fans know about Ponsor’s situation and a GoFundMe page that has been set up to help him afford the extensive medical costs he has incurred and will incur.
Please Help Justin Ponsor! Great colorist, great guy. https://t.co/C9HLvRJG8E
— ryan stegman (@RyanStegman) February 25, 2018
Hey Twitter! Superstar colorist Justin Ponsor could use some help. Please donate what you can–the last thing he should have to worry about right now is money! https://t.co/c2Q1yzifxz
— Alanna Smith (@AlannaWrites) February 24, 2018
Justin Ponsor, one of the very best colorists in the biz (seriously – he did Death of Wolverine and tons of great books you know), could use some help. I donated – check out his @GoFundMe and consider chipping in if you can: https://t.co/BPan2YYFwj
— Charles Soule (@CharlesSoule) February 25, 2018
Justin Ponsor, one of the best colorists in comics, is in the fight of his life and could really use a bit of help. If you've enjoyed his work over the years, perhaps consider chipping in and showing him a little love? https://t.co/vRvDbtMRJS
— Nathan Fairbairn (@nathanfairbairn) February 25, 2018
Comics Fans! If you’ve ever enjoyed the amazing color art of @jponsor that came out from WildStorm or more recently from @marvel—please join me in supporting Justin in his battle vs cancer via this gofundme campaign!!! He needs our help! https://t.co/ntLpS2m3nO
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) February 26, 2018
Justin Ponsor is an amazing colorist & the nicest guy, & he's dealing with the shittiest shit life can throw at you. Fucking cancer. He's brought a ton of comics to life w/ his colors, so if you've enjoyed his work and afford to help that would be amazing, https://t.co/9hDQQU4SwD
— Matt Wilson (@COLORnMATT) February 25, 2018
My friend and long time creative partner Justin Ponsor has been dealing with some serious health issues. If you can, please consider contributing: https://t.co/eV26FueRj3
— David Marquez (@DaveMarquez) February 25, 2018
If you’re able, please consider contributing to Justin Ponsor’s GoFundMe. https://t.co/orLVzyNJpZ
— CHRIS SAMNEE (@ChrisSamnee) February 25, 2018
Click here to support Help Justin Ponsor organized by Alex Car https://t.co/KqiYUW1pEY
— Tom Brevoort (@TomBrevoort) February 24, 2018
I don't know Justin personally, but his work shaped some of my favorite comic stories of all time. He's having a rough time and could use some support. If you can donate, please do. If you feel okay sharing, please do. https://t.co/3u9TlMQEsf
— Matthew Rosenberg (@AshcanPress) February 25, 2018
Rally time! Help Justin Ponsor https://t.co/XQZH1RF1Zx
— Mitch Gerads ECCC J14 (@MitchGerads) February 25, 2018
Justin Ponsor is a prolific Marvel colorist. He worked on Civil War II by Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez. He’s also been providing colors to Chip Zdarksy and Jim Cheung’s gorgeous Marvel 2 in One series. Other Marvel books include Defenders, Spider-Man, and Spider-Men II.
Ponsor also provides to the colors to Marvel’s biggest book coming out in May. He will be doing Avengers #1 along with Jason Aaron, Ed McGuinness, and Mark Morales.
Coming in May: Avengers #1. Written by @jasonaaron, Pencilled by Ed McGuinness, colors by Justin Ponsor and inks by me. Pick it up when it comes out. It's really good!! pic.twitter.com/LfdD3KMqT2
— Mark Morales (@mark_morales11) February 20, 2018
The GoFundMe has currently raised $29,346 in just two days from 352 people. The goal is to reach $50,000.