Doug’s Memorial and medical expense fund

Thank you for visiting Doug’s GoFundMe page. Please donate and share the updates to help Kathie with his final expenses in lieu of flowers. 

We have had a lot going on here in PA lately. Here’s an update of how our lives have been flipped upside down at a moment’s notice. 

On April 6th, Doug picked up a 60 pound umbrella stand and hurt his back. He continued working through the pain for a few weeks. He finally went to an orthopedic doctor, who said it was muscular and sent him on his way. He continued to go to work in pain everyday and was not getting better as the doctor advised he would. He was also losing weight, 40 pounds in 2 months! Finally after 7 weeks of pain, enough was enough. On May 25th, I convinced him to let me take him to the Emergency Room.

They ran several tests and discovered that he has stage 4 esophageal cancer with mets in his brain, liver, lung left adrenal gland and back. If that wasn’t enough he did indeed fracture his spine. The X-ray showed he has a fracture at L2. (He worked his physical job for 7 weeks with a broken back!)

As many of you know, we were married last weekend. We couldn’t waste one more minute not being Mr. & Mrs. Doug DeFord! As beautiful as that moment was, the reality is that we came home from our wedding and put our battle gear on. We started this journey and as bumpy and scary it looks, we are prepared to do it with each other and the loving support from our friends and family. Again thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of you being beside us during this time.

As we are finding out, there will be MANY out of pocket medical expenses during this journey. Doug is not able to work anymore. In addition to the costs of keeping him comfortable during this time, there will be a special diet, and travel to and from treatments. 

We also are discovering how expensive it is to have Cancer with insurance. Today he had a scan done and the copay was $1200! He is considering Chemo because there is a trial that was just completed which shows with Folfox and immunotherapy they have had success in cases like his to provide relief and longevity. The copay for these treatments will be $557+ per treatment, and we do not know how many treatments would be needed! How do people afford this?!?!

Going through this journey is going to be incredibly tough. I want him to be able to focus on his comfort instead of worrying about where the money for his next treatment is coming from. If you can find it in your heart to help Doug out, ANY amount helps.

So to all our friends that have reached out, wanting to know how to help us in this difficult time, this is just one small, but meaningful way I know how. Every dollar means another treatment or medication and comfort for Doug. If you are unable to make a monetary donation at this time, we completely understand! You can still help by sharing this GoFundMe on every social media outlet you are a part of.  Please continue to pray for Doug and I while we begin this journey. Thank you all for your support!