Please Help VB Father of 9 Fight Rare Cancer

On June 22, 2022, Deet Novak, 57-year-old Virginia Beach native and father of 9 beautiful children and 8 wonderful grandchildren, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer: Angiosarcoma.

 

This cancer is extremely rare (only 1 in 1 million are diagnosed annually in the United States, per the National Cancer Institute), and has rapidly developed over the past several weeks. Angiosarcoma develops in the inner linings of blood and lymph vessels, and often causes multiple tumors to develop, as is the case here. Deet's condition has worsened so that there are currently three tumors embedded in his liver.

 

On May 12, Deet went to an emergency room for severe pain in his stomach, and was given an initial diagnosis of Pancreatitis. He was placed on a liquid diet, but soon Deet's symptoms began to grow more severe. Deet returned to the emergency room two weeks later and was told he had ulcers, yet after an endoscopy that diagnosis was also proved false. On June 14, doctors at the Virginia Beach Sentara General Hospital ordered a cat scan, which showed the tumors on his liver, indicative of metastatic liver cancer. This cat scan led to the June 22 biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis of Angiosarcoma. This correct diagnosis came over an entire month after symptoms first appeared, and in that time the tumor had grown from 1.5 cm to 9 cm.

 

On June 28, 2022, Deet was admitted to the Norfolk Sentara General Hospital with agonizing chest pains and trouble breathing. At this time, the tumors have nearly completely engulfed his liver. This rapid series of events has devastated the entire Novak family, and they have already spent countless hours at his side.

 

This care and attention displayed by the Novak family is the surest sign of Deet's remarkable legacy as a loving father and husband. He first knew his wife, Katrina, as both a peer and high school sweetheart at Cox High School in the early 1980s, unaware at the time that one day their lives would be beautifully interwoven once again. Their 1999 marriage brought with it a wonderful joining of families, and the lives of their children (Zeke and Drake on Deet's side; Kendra, Rachele, Thomas, Kaitlin, and Hannah on Katrina's) were forever changed for the better. Deet and Katrina went on to have 2 more children, Deet Jr. and Anastasia, and the family continues to expand through the children of Kendra, Rachele, and Thomas.

 

Deet's commitment and devotion to this remarkable family is immediately apparent. Never idle, you can always count on him being the most active and helpful participant in family events, being thoroughly reliable in difficult circumstances, and putting all others before himself. He spends much of his time at eye level with his young grandchildren, as the loving grandfather every child deserves. His undying passion for music (Deet has been in several punk rock bands across the Virginia Beach and Richmond underground scenes) continues to be an easy conversation starter with him; that said, Deet has a gift for engaging meaningfully with others and making them feel heard, no matter the topic or the person.

 

Deet's extraordinary dedication to his loved ones continues in the workplace, as for the last several years he has often worked two jobs to provide for everyone in the family. Deet has worked as a master pipe fitter, journeyman machinist, railroad gang leader, welder, plumber, and roofer for entities that include Norfolk Southern Railroad, Tecnico, and the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. To say his work ethic is outstanding would be a massive disservice to the sheer effort Deet has placed in these demanding roles over the years, all in the name of ensuring that everyone at home is safe and happy.

 

Deet's invaluable efforts in these Hampton Roads industries strengthen his connection to this community and further establish him as a critical, yet often unseen, factor in the growth and success of the area. A local through and through, Deet has never strayed far from the Virginia Beach area for long, and it shows through his consistent support of local small businesses and surf shops, his attendance in several Christian church communities, and the many friendly and familiar faces he's likely to come across, no matter where he may be.

 

For these reasons and more, it goes without saying that Deet's Angiosarcoma diagnosis has been overwhelming, frightening, and shocking. As tests continue to be administered and plans are made, the Novak family looks to the immediate hope of a successful operation to remove the liver tumors and begin Deet's recovery. While this outcome is ideal, the related difficulties do not end with this operation. The impending medical bills for ongoing treatment and chemotherapy, as well as all ongoing monthly expenses within Deet's household, will soon be insurmountable, as Deet is unable to work.

 

If you are reading this, we are asking for any financial support you can spare to help prolong Deet's good health and restore peace to his family. The large size of this family means that the impacts of Deet's condition extend far and wide, affecting loved ones and in-laws, peers, friends, and the local industries Deet has played such a pivotal role in maintaining. The love he has shown for his family and community over the span of his entire life deserves to be repaid tenfold.

 

We are far beyond thankful for anyone who has taken the time to read this, and are overwhelmingly appreciative of those who contribute to the fund. From the entire Novak family, thank you.