Help Gary Sheppard Beat Cancer
Donation protected
Six years ago, my brother Tyler and myself, Philip, had to go through a tough divorce that left us just with our father, Gary Sheppard, to take care of us. He made sure food was always on the table and a roof was over our heads during the 4 years that he was on his own looking after us full-time. Our dad has always kept a smile on his face, and has overcome many obstacles. Throughout his life, he has put others first.
On Christmas Eve in 2018, our dad would be faced with a new obstacle. He was diagnosed with stage 4 neck cancer (squamous cell carcinoma), a cancer heavily linked to the HPV virus, less than 2 years after his sister, Wendy, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal pancreatic cancer. Now, our dad is fighting his own battle with cancer.
Since his initial diagnosis, he has undergone multiple surgeries. These included having 11 of his teeth extracted, a 14 millimeter kidney stone removed, and finally, a neck operation that removed 21 lymph nodes. Six of the lymph nodes were found to be cancerous. Following the 3 operations, he underwent 30 sessions of radiation treatment to his neck area. This type of radiation therapy is particularly hard on his salivary glands, throat, and neck, making it hard for him to swallow even soft solids.
He has since lost 50 pounds, all sensation of taste, and must undergo physical therapy for his shoulder near where the surgeons operated on his neck. Through it all, he has maintained courage, steadfastness, happiness, and hope. For the next 2 years, he will undergo medical treatment and evaluations in the hopes that he will beat this form of cancer.
Our dad has never asked much from others, but my brother and I ask for your urgent support in helping him recover without the burden of medical expenses weighing on him each day. With any leftover funds, our dad will use them to help raise more awareness for HPV-related cancers, and advocate for HPV vaccinations in children and young adults.
His type of cancer can be entirely prevented with a simple vaccine. Your donations, big or small, will go a long way in helping our dad beat cancer and raise awareness, with the goal of one day eradicating this form of cancer.
From Tyler, Gregory, Jill, and I, we sincerely thank you for your donations and support!
We will update this page on his recovery and awareness efforts.
On Christmas Eve in 2018, our dad would be faced with a new obstacle. He was diagnosed with stage 4 neck cancer (squamous cell carcinoma), a cancer heavily linked to the HPV virus, less than 2 years after his sister, Wendy, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal pancreatic cancer. Now, our dad is fighting his own battle with cancer.
Since his initial diagnosis, he has undergone multiple surgeries. These included having 11 of his teeth extracted, a 14 millimeter kidney stone removed, and finally, a neck operation that removed 21 lymph nodes. Six of the lymph nodes were found to be cancerous. Following the 3 operations, he underwent 30 sessions of radiation treatment to his neck area. This type of radiation therapy is particularly hard on his salivary glands, throat, and neck, making it hard for him to swallow even soft solids.
He has since lost 50 pounds, all sensation of taste, and must undergo physical therapy for his shoulder near where the surgeons operated on his neck. Through it all, he has maintained courage, steadfastness, happiness, and hope. For the next 2 years, he will undergo medical treatment and evaluations in the hopes that he will beat this form of cancer.
Our dad has never asked much from others, but my brother and I ask for your urgent support in helping him recover without the burden of medical expenses weighing on him each day. With any leftover funds, our dad will use them to help raise more awareness for HPV-related cancers, and advocate for HPV vaccinations in children and young adults.
His type of cancer can be entirely prevented with a simple vaccine. Your donations, big or small, will go a long way in helping our dad beat cancer and raise awareness, with the goal of one day eradicating this form of cancer.
From Tyler, Gregory, Jill, and I, we sincerely thank you for your donations and support!
We will update this page on his recovery and awareness efforts.
Fundraising team: The Sheppard Family (3)
Philip Sheppard
Organizer
Granbury, TX
Gary Sheppard
Beneficiary
Jill Bishop
Team member
Gary Sheppard
Team member