Please Help Donny with Cancer & Transplant Costs

Dear Friends and Family,

We are writing to ask for your support for our incredible stepdad, Donny Bertolo, who is battling Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as Klatskin Tumor. This disease is a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer that affects fewer than 1 in 100,000 people around the world per year. Donny is only 59 years old and his only chance for survival is to receive a much-needed liver transplant. As many of you know, medical expenses can be overwhelming, and Donny is currently facing significant financial burdens due to his diagnosis.

The Friday before Thanksgiving, Donny received the news, and as you can imagine, this was sudden and shocking as he had no prior symptoms or signs before that week. Donny is a loving family man devoted to his wife and kids. Our mom and Donny have been together for 26 years and married for 22 years. He is selfless, loving, and caring. Donny raised three children as his own and is the best Papa to three grandchildren he absolutely adores. Donny has always been there for us and is a blessing to our family. With every challenge that comes his way, he pushes through with faith and a fighting spirit.

In addition to being an incredible husband, father, and grandfather, one of his best friends and former coworker/commander wrote the following:

Donny Bertolo served our country in the United States Marine Corps. Subsequently, he served our community as a police lieutenant for thirty-three years, with assignments in Uniform Patrol and Criminal Investigations. Having worked alongside Donny for many of those years, he can best be described as a professional who was highly respected and admired by those under his command. Donny was also very devoted to keeping our community safe to live, play and work. Now it's our turn to show our support and thoughtfulness.

On November 18th of last year, Donny was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, cancer in one of the two bile ducts that runs through the liver. Since this liver cancer is a very aggressive and debilitating disease, treatment started immediately; November 21st...Surgery to have a stent placed in the bile duct.

December 27th-January 17th...Radiation treatment, twice a day, Monday through Friday. Chemotherapy 24/7.

January 19th...Brachytherapy. Surgery where very high doses of localized radiation are administered to the bile-duct tumor. However, the liver was left severely damaged, and the cancer was incurable. Donny will now need a liver transplant.

Donny's wife, Brigitte, could not have described the results more clearly: "They had to ruin a perfect liver to kill the cancer."

A liver transplant is now the only option left for Donny to regain his health. Unfortunately, the cost of a liver transplant is incredibly high, and even with insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses can be overwhelming. That's why we are asking for your help. The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs associated with the transplant and the ongoing medical expenses that Donny will face.

Your donation will make a significant difference in Donny's life, no matter how big or small. Your support will help Donny receive the medical treatment he needs and deserves. It will also give Donny the hope and strength he needs to continue fighting the battle. Please share this message with your friends and family so that we can reach as many people as possible.

Thank you in advance for your kindness, prayers, generosity, and support during this difficult time. Let's come together and help Donny fight this battle.

With gratitude,

Wayne Kennedy and Donny's loving family