Help Datford with his medical expenses

Hi, my name is Tiesha Baker and I am raising money to help my 66 year old father, Datford Baker.

In 2013, my father was living alone in Asbury Park, New Jersey, when he felt a lump on the left side of his chest. He visited his primary care doctor and was immediately referred to an oncologist. MRI’s, ultrasounds and biopsy were taken and he was unfortunately diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Dad received intensive months of radiation and chemotherapy after the doctors removed the lump from his chest. He was fortunate enough to become cancer free.

On January 31st 2020, dad began to experience heavy coughing with shortness of breath. I decided to take him to Whiteplains hospital located in Westchester, New York and he was admitted the same day. Two days later, fluid was detected on his lungs and the doctors performed a surgery called thoracentesis where 90% of the fluid was drained from his lungs. However, dad’s lungs collapsed after the surgery. After running numerous test the doctors discovered that his cancer went into remission. It returned with a vengeance in the 4th stage and was metastasized throughout his liver, kidney, bones and the lining of the brain. One month after, he was discharged to my home from the hospital.

On September 24th 2021, he was rushed back to the hospital because he experienced shortness of breath once again. There he was diagnosed with pneumonia and the doctors also discovered a numerous amount of fluid on the left side of his lungs. Another thoracentesis was attempted, however the surgery was unsuccessful because the tumors in his lungs were too large this time around. He is now placed on 24 hour oxygen, antibiotics and started chemotherapy. The goal is to boost his body’s immune system response and help it fight the tumors. When the tumors shrink with the chemo pills given, and he gets his strength back, he will be able to withstand another surgery to remove the fluid from his lungs.

Unfortunately, cancer and finances co-exist in an ugly, cruel reality. These stack up so quickly. I am now forced to act fast, as his treatment options are few and his time is running out. In this time of hardship, I am asking you to please help my dad take advantage of the treatment offered, which is the only hope in fighting this metastic cancer and for his doctors to win the battle of saving his life a little longer. Without treatment, oncologists estimate a 2 months life expectancy. However with treatment, the doctor is hopeful that the proper care can extend his life up to 12 months or more. As we all know at the end of the day God is in control of every circumstance.

The funds collected here will be used to help pay the insurance copays, uncovered medical expenses, and purchase a much needed hospital bed so that he doesn’t experience trouble breathing while laying too flat. Seeing that he is constantly on a portable oxygen machine, electrical expense and travel cost to get to and from the hospital weekly is a major concern because of the long term treatment that is required. The 24/7 care has incurred significant loss of wages for myself.

With the development of cancer, he will need intensive months of chemotherapy. Your kind assistance will be appreciated in assisting me to cope at this immensely difficult time. Whatever is in your heart, or is available to you will be enough as a donation.

If you've been lucky enough to meet my dad, you would know that he has a kind spirit and a truly compassionate soul. He is sensitive, thoughtful, loving, humourous, and one of those people that you can’t help but to love. Daddy’s cancer diagnosis has devastated me, but I am so proud of his strength on this journey so far and his determination to beat this horrible disease.

With this I say a big thanks to all those who are willing and able to help. To those who aren’t as able, I ask that you pray for my dad in his time of sickness. God bless each and everyone of you.