Support Dexter Freeman's Fight Against Ocular Melanoma

Dexter Freeman is a 36-year-old career firefighter serving Charlotte Fire Department fulltime since 2016 and Denver Fire Department since 2006 as either a fulltime firefighter or as a volunteer firefighter. He is also the father of three young children, ages 10, 7 and 6.

Dexter went to his optometrist in April of 2023 for a regular eye exam but at his appointment, his doctor noticed changes in his left eye that were concerning. He was referred to an ophthalmologist at Duke Eye Care Center in Durham, NC. After visits to Duke every three months to closely monitor his eye, in May this year, the changes were significant enough that he needed to have a biopsy performed. July 1st, Dexter received the devastating news that his biopsy revealed that he has ocular melanoma.

On September 11th, Dexter will go to Duke for a procedure to put a radiation plaque in the back of his eye (brachytherapy). He will be required to stay in close proximity of the hospital for the entire week. After four days, the radiation plaque will be removed. He will again be required to remain close to the hospital until at least September 17th. Moving forward, Dexter will be required to have injections in his eye every four months indefinitely. We are hopeful that the radiation is effective in eradicating the cancer and that future treatments and surgeries will not be required.

The purpose of this fundraiser is to alleviate the financial strain of Dexter's medical expenses, travel expenses to Duke as well as helping him decease his day-to-day stress so he can focus on fighting this horrible disease and spending quality time with his children.