Support Dan DeStefano's battle against Cancer (Stage 4)

I'm trying to raise money for my fiancé, Dan DeStefano, while he is fighting Carcinoma of Hypopharynx, Stage IVA: moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Dan was diagnosed with cancer on 05/23/24 at 41 years old. We have since been doing all we can to win this battle.

My name is Brittany Helmke. Dan and I have been raising my two sons together for the last 11 years. Our boys are 14 and 15. This has been and is a very scary experience to go through. No matter how hard things get, we will continue to be a family and stick together. We do our best to be optimistic and keep a positive outlook and find reasons to laugh and smile.

Since being diagnosed, Dan has had to get multiple surgeries. He has had to get a tracheotomy because the tumors in his throat were causing a buildup of CO2 that caused him to be in ICU for about a week, a PEG tube for feeding after losing over 120 lbs in about 4 months, and a port for the administration of chemo. He is receiving chemo weekly and radiation daily. When it seems as though nothing could get any worse, another struggle arises. But Dan is still fighting, and when he doesn't have the strength, I try to have it for him. We have been taking on this battle hand in hand, together, and we always will through whatever lies ahead. Nothing will ever be stronger than our family's love.

Worrying about rent, utilities, doctor bills, food, and other financial strains makes it even harder. Before this, Dan and I both worked, but Dan's income was a substantial and necessary contribution that we are not making it without. I hate that this added worry is constantly giving Dan anxiety while we try and find a way to get by month to month. On top of all of this, his medical debt and new charges are never-ending. Anything that you can do to alleviate these burdens will be deeply appreciated and any amount will help. We wish that we didn't have to ask for help, but we desperately need your support.

Thank you so much for taking the time to hear Dan's story, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support. Please keep us in your prayers!!