David and Kelly Lammas and Pat Smith

On June 13, 2022, Dave was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic lung cancer, which spread to his brain and lymph system. His medical team was quick to start chemo and brain radiation to bring the aggressive cancer under control, and throughout his treatment, Dave maintained a hugely positive attitude and continued his job and normal life around his appointments. He showed promising responses in treatment, with nearly all of his tumors shrinking/reducing over the first several months. By early 2023 his team was promoting his candidacy for a promising clinical trial which was showing excellent results in patients with similar cancers, which he was to begin in early July.

One day shy of a year since his diagnosis, on June 12, 2023, Dave was getting ready for work when he collapsed at home. He was taken to the hospital where it was discovered he was bleeding internally. Tests revealed that he had a mobility-threatening neck fracture and a new spread of both tumors and blood clots along his spine and pelvis. An emergency spinal surgery to fuse the fracture and attempt to stabilize him was successful against the odds, but the doctors warned that his condition was still dire. The priority shifted to stabilizing him further and building up his strength in hopes to resume treatment. In the weeks since the surgery, though he has fought fiercely and maintained an attitude of positivity and determination to survive, he has continued to need near-daily blood transfusions. His body is growing too weak to keep up with the demands of both the disease and the efforts to contain it, and there is little more to be done. He is 58 years old.

Dave and Kelly have been married for 14 years, and they live with Kelly's mother, Pat. They celebrated his gaining American Citizenship in October 2021; he is originally from England where his family still resides. He is a loving father and grandfather, brother, son-in-law, and friend. Because of Dave, we have an appreciation for F1 Racing, sausage rolls, and sassy commentary at family gatherings. He will leave an unfillable void in our lives. Funds raised will be put toward outstanding medical expenses and household bills, and to help Kelly take some time to process and grieve as she navigates the loss of her husband and best friend.

Since Dave's hospitalization Kelly and Pat have already lost over half of their household income, and Pat's income alone does not meet all of their expenses. With his passing, Kelly will also lose her health insurance at a time when she will need it most. Their savings have been depleted over the last year of cancer treatments, and they need help bridging the gap until Kelly can gain her own income source so she and her mom can remain in their home.

If you aren’t able to donate, sharing with your family, friends, and coworkers would mean the world to us. Our family is so grateful for your prayers and your help!