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Help Firefighter Tony fund his cancer treatment.

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My brother, Tony Palato, was diagnosed with colon cancer February 2, 2017.  Tony has been a firefighter for 21 years and a paramedic for 29 years with a Denver area fire department.  He has been happily married to his wonderful wife, Megan, for 22 years and a father to his beautiful daughters, Autumn (21 years old,) Isabella (15 years old).

 This cancer is a work related cancer known to affect firefighters due to the exposure of heavy toxins in their equipment and gear. Unfortunately this is Tony’s third reoccurrence with cancer. Tony had surgery to remove the mass and followed with radiation and fractionated chemotherapy.

In April of 2019 they discovered the cancer metastasized (now stage 4) into his liver. In June of 2019 the mass was successfully removed (resected.) fortunately he did not need follow up treatment. The surgery was considered curative. In December of 2020 cancer reared its ugly head once again... the cancer has now metastasized (stage 4) in his pelvis.

Everything just got a lot more challenging because:
1. Surgery is not an option.
2. Tony cannot tolerate standard chemo due to other underlying medical issues.
3. Workman's comp will not approve the treatment plan that would work best for him. Tony has started treatment at Envita Medical Center in Scottsdale Arizona. Envita does genetic testing on the cancer and develops a treatment plan that is specific to effectively eliminating each cancer cell. Workman's comp will only pay for standard chemotherapy/radiation modalities. This standard treatment is so physically demanding and rarely effective, especially with this type of cancer. Tony’s body simply cannot tolerate it... Envita’s clinic is Tony’s best option for treatment.

They have been paying for this treatment out of pocket in hopes of getting Workman’s Comp. to approve and begin paying for it. Unfortunately they were just told it is highly unlikely they will approve. This has devastated him and his family.

Tony needs your help to fund this NECESSARY treatment.
Estimated duration of treatment: 3-4 months.
Estimated cost for treatment: $100,000.
Estimated cost for housing $10,000- $15,000.

Tony has dedicated his life to saving and caring for others in need. Please consider giving what you can to help this amazing man through his time of need. Every dollar helps and will help ensure that he can continue receiving this life saving treatment. I will post updates on Tony's progress. Please help us by donating and sharing this fundraiser so we can reach our goal! Thank you for your help and God bless.

Donations 

  • Jackson Bambei
    • $20
    • 3 yrs
  • Luanne Smith
    • $500
    • 3 yrs
  • Karmen Box
    • $200
    • 3 yrs
  • Gaelen walsh
    • $20
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 3 yrs

Organizer and beneficiary

Laura Durie
Organizer
Fountain Hills, AZ
Megan Palato
Beneficiary

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