Heart to Hand: A Family’s Journey of Strength

Hello! My name is Dan Anger. I am a loving husband and father of 2 wonderful teenaged children. This is my story.

In February 2024, I suffered a spiral fracture to my left Humerus bone while playing men’s hockey. A freak injury really. Very little impact and the arm just snapped. I am an average Joe, but active so the injury was a mystery to the ER docs. After months of X-rays and appointments, the doctor finally decided to go in and surgically repair the fracture.

In June 2024, I went into what was supposed to be a 2 hour day surgery. That surgery turned into 9 days in the hospital, a plate, 13 screws a wire and a scary outcome. During the surgery, it was found that my bone was hollowed and there was a large mass that required further scans. On July 11th, I received the call that would change my life. Mr Anger, you have Cancer. The diagnosis was Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. The doctor was very up front in saying that there is a good chance I would lose my arm. The hardest part was telling my family. I have always been very active in their lives through school, sports and any other activities that make them smile. The thought of not being there for them scared me to death. We started chemotherapy immediately in July 2024. Three cycles of high dose chemo in order to reduce the size of the tumour and prevent it from spreading. Over the course of those treatments, I went from 295 pounds to 225 pounds and was bed ridden for the 3 months along with multiple hospital stays.

In September 2024, we revisited the doctor to discuss the scans. The tumour showed reduction in size, however if they went in and tried to salvage arm, there was a 60% chance that the cancer would return. The chances of the cancer returning were far less if we elected to amputate. It came down to a life over limb decision and to me it was a no brainer. I have a little girl to walk down the aisle one day and I needed to be here in order to do it. I have a wonderful son that I still have to guide down the path to be a young man. I need to be here to do that. I have a beautiful, strong and loving wife to share my life with. I need to be here to do that.

In October 2024, my left arm was amputated. When I woke up from the surgery, I was a bit surprised. My kids, who get their sense of humour from their dad, joked in saying I looked like a bowling pin. No nub, clavicle and scapula were gone. The doctors said that there was potential contamination and they had to be removed. Once recovered from the surgery, I had to endure another 3 cycles of high dose chemo. This took us to December.

On December 23rd, while in hospital for a blood transfusion, I received the results of my latest bone scan. All clear! No Cancer in my bones! Possibly the best Christmas present ever. When I received the news, I could do nothing but look to the sky and let it all out. My brother was with me and encouraged me to let it out after the year that I had, we won!

Fast forward to the present. I am still dealing with the minor side effects of the intense chemo. Neuropathy in my hand and feet, Tinnitus in my ears all while learning to perform day to day functions with one arm. You would be surprised what you take for granted when you don’t have another hand. We laugh daily at the little things but I know that I am young and still have more to give.

My family, friends, coworkers have all played a big part in getting me through the Cancer part of my journey. Now, my journey shifts to the hope of having a prosthetic arm and my reason for creating this fundraiser. I’m not a person that likes to ask for a handout. My wife will tell you that every step of the way I’ve wanted to do things on my own but I cannot climb this mountain by myself. After speaking with family and close friends, they have helped me see my family needs me. My wife needs me. My kids need me and I need to be there to support them. I still want to that big part in their lives by creating lasting memories with them. Camping, fishing and playing sports with them have brought us so much pride and joy.

Anything that you could do to support me in my journey to have an arm again would allow me to return to the father, husband, coach and friend that I was before. This journey has certainly put life into perspective in a sense that you never know how much time you have so. Enjoying every moment you can with the ones you love becomes the number one priority and that is what I intend to do with this gift that has been given to me.

Love to All and thank you for being a part of our journey.

Dan