Help Doug Fight Lung Cancer!!

A non-smoking 47-year-old with inoperable lung cancer is not something you often hear.  On March 22, that is exactly what Doug was told.  The journey to this diagnosis began with a seasonal cold and persistent cough that his doctor thought might be pneumonia.  A routine chest x-ray was ordered and revealed that something wasn’t quite right.  After a CT scan was inconclusive, a PET scan indicated a small mass that would require a biopsy.  It was cancer.  An incredible shock for someone experiencing no symptoms.

Within a week, Doug had an appointment at the Duke Cancer Center with some of the best doctors in the country.  Their initial hope was that a combination of chemotherapy and surgery would eradicate the cancer and life would go on.  Unfortunately, tissue samples revealed that the cancer has already spread to his lymph nodes, rendering it inoperable.  Further testing will be done this week to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread.  From there, we will have a plan for treatment.

Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover all of the expenses that come along with fighting this terrible disease.  Doug and his wife, Kym, have already made the 3-hour trip from Myrtle Beach, SC to Duke multiple times.  Many more trips and extended hotel stays are most certainly in their future.  Not to mention the fact that he will be unable to work.  Doug is determined to find the best treatment possible which will require airline tickets, hotel stays and medications not covered by insurance.  

Doug is a devoted husband and father with three beautiful daughters.  Aubrey is completing her degree at Missouri State University. Natalie is a sixth grader who loves to dance and Sophie is in Kindergarten and loves spending time with her dad.  Like all good fathers, the girls are his greatest motivation.  His desire to see them grow is what fuels his will to fight.  

Those that know Doug have experienced his generous nature and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.  He is always just a call away and is more than willing to help.  If you don’t know him, you know someone like him.  Now it is our turn to repay the favor by supporting Doug and his family during this difficult time.  Our ability to remove some of the financial burden will enable him to stay focused on himself and put all of his energy into getting better.