Help Daniel Shoenthal Fight Cancer

          In September 2015 our Dad was not feeling well and had become alarmingly jaundiced. After blood work, scans, and doctor’s evaluations, it was discovered that he had a tumor in the head of the pancreas which was obstructing the bile duct. The diagnosis was pancreatic cancer. This was a blessing in disguise as pancreatic cancer is often not caught until it has spread further or is inoperable. Had the tumor not been present in its exact location, it may have gone undetected.
          Following the initial diagnosis, three endoscopies were performed; one for tissue sampling, a second to insert a stent to open the blocked bile duct that was causing the jaundice and a third to replace the original stent as it had migrated and failed to actually correct the jaundice. At the same time, tissue sampling confirmed the cancer diagnosis and so his journey began.
          Anyone who knows our Dad knows he is an incredibly compassionate and kind person, as is our Mom, Debbie. She had just recovered from treatment of her own; Thyroid cancer. Luckily, she had surgery and radiation to keep her in remission. Unfortunately cancer does not discriminate based on how great a person you are or how selflessly you have lived your life.
          In addition to facing cancer, our Dad is also being met with a financial burden which includes a large deductible, extensive chemotherapy, a huge surgery, an endless list of doctor’s appointments and lost wages. Having just endured large medical bills from our mom’s surgery and cancer treatment, they are now met with the same burden but unfortunately to a far greater extent. Knowing what lies ahead, we are looking for any way to help ease this already stressful financial situation and make it possible for him to continue treatment.
          The prescribed course of treatment requires aggressive chemotherapy for three months followed by a major surgery called the Whipple procedure which would then be followed with another three months of aggressive chemotherapy. Between the two courses of chemo and the surgery, the doctors have already warned that it will take a least a year to carry out the plan as the surgery is major and requires a long rehabilitation.
          Thus far our Dad has completed the first three months of chemotherapy and is recovering in preparation for the Whipple Procedure. At this time, the outcome of the first course of chemotherapy has been uplifting. The tumor has definitely shrunk! The Whipple Procedure is set to take place just as soon as the doctors determine that he is physically able to tolerate the surgery. 
          Our Dad is very optimistic and looking to battle this head on. He has a long road ahead of him and each of us is prepared to contribute all that we can to make sure that a lack of finances isn’t another burden. Anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated and we will keep you updated as things progress. Understandably, if you are not able to donate please share this link and keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
          I sincerely hope no one has to go through this but if you have and can offer any words of encouragement or advice they would be warmly welcomed and appreciated.  Thank you so much for taking the time to read a little bit about his journey so far.

Love,
        The Shoenthal Family

Erica Shoenthal, Evan Centopani & Alana Centopani,
Kevin & Kristina Shoenthal, &
Dana Shoenthal & Bryan Wilson.