Donate to help Duane Hawkins Fight Cancer

Hi, my name is Krystal Hawkins. I am raising funds for my dad, Duane Hawkins, who is battling cancer for the 2nd time. Duane has not worked since last December when he had to close his barber shop to start chemo. The goal is to get him back to doing what he loves - cutting hair while catching up with his clients in his shop (Kahler Barber Shop). The funds raised from this Go Fund Me page will go towards medical and monthly bills.

Back in 2013, Duane had his right kidney removed after being diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma. Now 9 years later, here we are again! In October 2022, the doctors were concerned that his left kidney demonstrated defects concerning urothelial carcinoma. After 3 procedures to remove the tumor and biopsies, the doctors diagnosed Duane with Malignant Neoplasm of the Left Kidney. The next few months were spent meeting with multiple Mayo Care Teams trying to understand the different options and what life would/could look like. We are grateful Duane decided to fight but the battle would not be an easy one! The plan in short: chemo, remove the left kidney, then dialysis, and eventually after being in remission for so many years - a kidney transplant.

In December 2022, Duane had no choice but to temporarily close his barber shop. Duane’s pride and joy is his barber shop located in the subway under the Kahler Hotel. The Barber Shop has been a locally owned business downtown for almost 100 years before moving to the Kahler in 1963. Duane and Wendy Hagan took over co-ownership in 2008. In 2010 after Wendy lost her short battle with cancer, Duane took sole ownership. Over the last 38 years, Duane had been blessed with many loyal clients that he now calls friends. Sitting in Duane’s barber chair, you get much more than just a haircut! Duane is looking forward to the day he can reopen the doors of his barber shop.

Duane's love for motorcycles started at an early age! When he turned 15, he purchased his first bike with the money he earned working in the fields helping local farmers. From his first dirt bike, to his now favorite, a Harley Davidson, his love for riding continues to be a big part of his life. Duane has enjoyed participating in multiple benefit rides over the years and making new friends. Some of his favorite routes are along Mississippi, visiting the small town along the way. Duane continues to fight to regain the strength to get back on his bike and hit the open road.

Duane has completed 7 Chemo treatments. We are thankful that for the most part, he has tolerated the chemo ok. He has his good days and bad days. He is battling neuropathy in his feet that causes extreme pain/nausea which can make it a challenge to walk/stand without assistance. Duane sleeps very little leaving him feeling exhausted. Nothing tastes good which makes it a challenge to get food down to keep his strength up & not lose too much weight. We have set up a CaringBridge Page and will continue to give updates throughout his journey at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/duanehawkinsjourney

Duane’s Family: Duane’s daughter, Krystal, along with his three grandkids recently moved back to Byron to be closer to her dad. His two sisters, Theresa Ross and Rita Hawkins, along with his parents, Larry and Barbara Hawkins all live in the area. Duane has two nieces, Amanda Miller and Alexys Hawkins that live close and one nephew, Brandon Ross, who lives up north. Our family is eternally grateful for all the thoughts, prayers, messages and support! #ittakesavillage #HawkinsStrong #kickcancersbutt #donatelife #kidneytransplant