Go fund Riddler

This past July, my dad, Steve Riddle, was diagnosed with stage 4 Squamous Cell Cancer, an aggressive, fast moving cancer. This had stemmed from a 2 x 4 cm tumor found on the roof of his mouth. By the end of July, the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, the back wall of his sinus cavity, and the nerves leading to the bottom of his brain near his carotid artery. On Friday, July 31, he had his first round of surgeries which were to remove the tumor and any diseased areas that the cancer had spread to. The doctors worked for 12 hours straight and were able to remove all of the cancer, except for 2 nerves that had tested negative for microscopic diseased cells near his carotid artery. They had chased the cancer as far back as they could before it became life threatening or could cause a stroke. After this surgery, he had been in recovery with a lot of swelling and blood, but in overall good spirits. The nurses had worked hard to keep him comfortable and his pain down. On Monday, August 11, he went in with a positive attitude for surgery number 2. The doctors worked for about 8 hours and removed all of the lymph nodes and successfully removed the bone and skin from his leg to graft to the roof of his mouth. He was taken to ICU where he would remain for a few days. Later that night, they had to take him back to the OR due to blood seepage out of his leg. On Saturday August 15th he was moved to a regular room until he can discharge, hopefully by Monday or Tuesday, August 18th. In spite of the pain, not being able to communicate sometimes and overall confusion he was experiencing, he remained in great spirits. Every day, he would ask about all of his family to see if they were well and talked about the appreciation he has for everyone that has been praying for him. The next steps for his treatments once he heals from the surgery will be intense radiation to the spot where his tumor was located and then an additional microscopic intense radiation targeted specifically where the 2 diseased nerves leading to his brain are. This will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks and we have not received word on if that can be done in Montgomery County or if he will have to go back to Georgetown University. Once his radiation is done, he will have to have Chemotherapy as well.

As many of you may know, my dad also just recently started a new job that he loves, this past May. In lieu of finding out that he was diagnosed with cancer, setting up all of his follow-up appointments and scheduling his surgery, he was not able to get the paperwork for Short Term Disability completed in time for work; therefore, he is currently not receiving this. As you can imagine, the bills are starting to pile up, whether they are hospital bills, electric, rent or gas, and without the income from short-term disability, help is needed. I am using this as a place where those who are so gracious enough to be able to help can do so. Any penny can help and my dad is a great man who appreciates all of the prayers, love and support that has already come his way. The money that is raised will be used for all of the above mentioned and the rest that is not used will be donated back for cancer research. I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t needed. I greatly appreciate everyone that has reached out to us in this time of need and thank you from the bottom of our hearts to anyone who donates a little love.