Help Ken Fight Pancreatic Cancer!

Melissa's Ken Story

For years my dad, Ken Opperman, was healthy, active and strong. He played golf, he swam and played catch with his grandsons, and worked hard to build his small business. No matter what happened in my life, I knew my dad was going to be there to help out.

April 28, 2024 changed everything. My mom was recovering from emergency back surgery six weeks earlier and was in the hospital as a result of a complication. I took dad to the ER, at the same hospital as my mom, after he had been in excruciating pain and unable to go to the bathroom. We spent 12 hours in the ER waiting room and in a small room, and around 5am, a young intern came in and asked if he "could tell it to us straight." If you know my dad, he of course wanted to be told straight, but we knew in that moment it wasn't good.

The intern said they found three spots of cancer in his abdomen, one on his pancreas, one on his liver, and one causing and complete block of his colon. I started making phone calls to tell my mom, who was already in the same hospital, three floors up, for complication following a back surgery, and my brother, who was asleep still before going to church. Around 10 am, my brother had come by to visit and I arranged with my mom's incredible nurses to escort her down to the ER room he was waiting in before he was admitted.

There was another knock at the door, and Dr. Behrman came in to inform us, that not only did he have cancer, and a colon blockage, he actually had Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer, that had spread to his liver and colon. Dr. Behrman, informed us he would be taking him to surgery first thing in the morning to give him a colostomy bag, allowing his body to function properly, but the cancer itself was inoperable.

He would need to start chemo, as it was the only treatment at this point. The next morning, he had his first of 3 surgeries in 4 days to prepare his body for chemo, and make sure nothing was missed. All but one of these surgeries occurred directly before he was to start medicare on May 1. Two of those surgeries, including the largest surgery, and most costly was on his previous insurance and created significant medical bills, as it was out of network. We picked that hospital because of the horrendous treatment my mom had received during and following her back surgery at another hospital.

Unlike the other hospitals we had frequented with her, this one was taking excellent care of her, so we knew they would take care of him. And if it was something serious, she was already there…which it indeed ended up being serious. Following his surgery, release from the hospital, and starting chemo, my dad has lost over 50 lbs in a couple of months, and finally at a somewhat stable weight. He has had to retire from his company, and have my brother take over operations, and now learn to live with a colostomy bag.

Instead of carrying his golf clubs across the green, he's shuffling to the bathroom to empty his bag. Instead of teaching his grandsons, my boys, to play catch, or swim, we watch tv together. Everything has changed. Any help that can be given to help take care of the medical bills and financial struggle is greatly appreciated. He has to have special supplements to keep his body functioning under the onslaught of cancer and chemo, as well as a major loss of income from quickly retiring.

Thank you for reading his story. If you feel lead to contribute, amazing! Thank you!! But if all you are able to do is pray, then thank you too!! Prayer makes a difference and every little bit helps!

Al's Ken story

Ken Opperman Years of Dedication to Area Sports

Hello, my name is Alan Hursey, and I am writing to tell a story about a man who has

worked both behind the scenes and was visible in clear site at many sporting events in

the Memphis area. It is truly unbelievable the hundreds of games he has been involved

with.

Cancer---Now, after all these years, Ken needs a pick me up, he has been diagnosed

with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and is in multiple locations. The long prognosis is not

great, obviously.

His Involvement in Memphis Area Sports---below are the teams and investment

in time for these teams.

Memphis Redbirds---for the last 10 years he has run the Pitch Clock.

Memphis Tigers Men’s Basketball----several times per year he ran the Scoreboard or Shot Clock.

Memphis Tigers Football---stat crew.

Memphis Tigers Women’s Basketball---for

almost every game the past few years he either ran the Game Clock or Shot Clock.

G-League Memphis Hustle---ran the game clock or Shot Clock for almost every home

game since franchise started.

Rhodes College---ran the game clocks for most of the Men’s and Woman’s Basketball games for many years. This would be doubleheaders many times on weekends.

Has also helped some with football stats.

USFL/UFL ---worked for ESPN, ABC, Fox—stat crews assisting the broadcasts.

CBU Sports—Play-by-play Basketball announcer for approximately 15 years which

many times did alone and did it for free.

Bartlett High School Sports---was a Play by Play announcer for many years.

Fellowship Of Christian Athletes ---Ken donates consistently and plays in their Golf Tournament every year.

Business wise he has worked in the transportation industry for 40 years. He is a former President of the Memphis Transportation Club, and on the National Board of the

Transportation Club. I have wrote this to hopefully inspire

someone, to take notice. Financially Speaking –will he and his family need some assistance, yes, because of loss of income. Personally, I will be donating to his

family. So, any ideas, or help would be appreciated.

The Bigger Picture---I don’t know if Memphis has any awards that are given

yearly to individuals that are behind the scenes that are loyal, dependable, and

honorable in giving their time to so many local sports teams in Memphis. So, how about

we start with this: “The Ken Opperman Award” which “recognizes someone every year who goes

above and beyond in their dedication to Memphis Area Sports Teams.”

My inspiration for writing is twofold, I am always trying to do something great

(trying is all that counts) and the book On Fire, the story of John O’Leary,

proving networking even in the smallest way can have profound effects. So, I am

trying to brighten his day! So, let’s show some love to the little

guys behind the scenes that make these games go! Please call me, I am Ken’s long-

time friend, college roommate, and cousin.