Help Pip

Hello, my name is Loreene Pettaway, I am asking for your help.

In August of 2017 my son Phillip Pettaway, went to the doctor after suffering months of back pain. He was sent to a kidney specialist, and diagnosed with kidney cancer. Due to the underdeveloped size of his kidneys, which was practically unheard of, he was given the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial through the University of Michigan and UCLA. The trial later included the William Rogers Cancer Hospital in Providence RI, and Boston Medical. One and a half months after his diagnosis, the cancer spread to his pancreas, liver, lymph nodes, blood stream, testicles and colon. The doctors decided to do immune therapy, so he needed to get to Providence quickly for treatment. A fundraiser was given in June of this year to help get him there, and to assist with his living expenses while he was there. A clinical trial provides all the necessary hospital treatment, but does not cover living expenses, or prescription medications.

It has been a struggle for me as his Mother, since as a result of his illness he has not been able to work. As a participant in a clinical trial, he cannot get any government assistance. Subsequently, because his treatments are not FDA approved, he can not get Social Security Disability. He has no income, and depends on me for help, despite the fact that he is HVAC Certified and EPA Licensed. In June of this year, almost a year after his initial diagnosis, Phil spent a month in Providence for treatment. It was successful in that his kidneys, pancreas and liver became cancer free. It was also progressively working on the other areas of cancer in his body, except the testicles. While trying to combat this cancer, they gave him three rounds of radiation, which severely damaged his heart. At the end of July it was only working at 15%, they told him if they did not get his arteries opened, he was going to die.. Because of this, they cut back on the intense treatment he was undergoing to give his heart time to heal. A procedure was done to open the arteries, and was largely successful. However, because they had to stop the aggressive cancer treatment, in August the cancer started returning to his body. First in the colon, it never left his testicles, spots were found on his lungs, and it also returned to his pancreas, liver and kidneys. Three weeks ago they discovered cancer in his large intestines, and last week in his stomach.

Phil needs to get back to the Roger Williams Cancer Hospital in Providence as soon as possible for further immune treatment. The doctors have assured us that they can get rid of the cancer if his heart is up to 75%. This is the reason I have set up the GO - FUND - Me page. I have been helping my son for a year with his medications and other expenses, but am unable at my age, and fixed income to do much more.

Phil is my only child, and he has a 15 year old son who needs him around for a while longer. Although it hurts my pride that I can't do more, any and all help is appreciated.

Please Help Phil Live!!!

Thank you in advance for your kind, and thoughtful consideration.

Donations are also accepted through the Cash App #Help Pip