David's Dream

Hello, my name is, Ginger Bakos. I am the mother of, David Bakos. In December of 2014, much to our surprise, David was diagnosed with cancer. Not just any cancer, but stage four adenocarcinoma of an unknown primary (the starting location of the cancer is unknown), a type of cancer that forms in mucus-secreting glands throughout the body. David’s prognosis falls into the .1 percentile of all diagnosed cancer patients. That is because he is so young, and the cancer cells are shape-shifting and disguise themselves into the organ and soft tissue lining. Along with a few other rarities further complicating the doctors’ ability to directly address the problem. Tumors (more than can be counted) have invaded his liver, lungs, and all of his lymph nodes. With all of this heart-wrenching news the worst came that it is terminal and his treatments may not even be accepted by his body or do anything to eradicate this terrible disease. As if David’s luck was not bad enough, he does not qualify for many helping assistance programs, or programs such as “Make a Wish”. He was denied public assistance. Also, our medical insurance does not cover all of his medical fees or prescriptions. Paying for these medicines (prescription and over the counter) has become extremely difficult.  I have watched my son transform from a very active person, who was always out and about, to a person who has been bed ridden and that can no longer enjoy the things a twenty-year-old wants to enjoy. He had dreams of attending college, and being with his buddies, enjoying life, but now he is fighting every day for his life. As a mother, as a person, it is the hardest thing to watch. I want to fix it and provide him with whatever will make it easier for him to fight. Not being able to do these things takes its toll, in many different ways.

Despite all of these terrible chain of events, David has done nothing but keep his chin up and a positive attitude. Even though his journey has been rough, David and I have decided to start a foundation that will help people in his situation, especially to those who do not receive full coverage from their insurance companies. He dreams of creating a highly hygienic place, full of resources and hope, maybe a movie theater or a bowling alley for the patients. He dreams of this because of the stress, fear, and anxiety going to such places due to the unknown amount of germs and dirt. The foundation will be based on one of his favorite quotes, “Rise, rise again until lambs become lions”, which means never give up. He has vowed to never give up the fight and he wants to spread awareness, offer guidance, and as much help as he can to people are in similar situations, whatever their needs may be.  However, creating these dreams cannot be a possibility without the help from many people. The legal fees and the amount of money needed to create this building may be insurmountable without help. The money raised on this website will be going toward helping David live life on his terms and launching this foundation with the goal and purpose determined to change as many lives as possible or at least help ease their journeys.  When he was originally diagnosed, I was afraid to ask for help. Now I am extremely humbled, and thankful, and hope to receive it. Thank you for everything. Words cannot explain how thankful I am, and I will never be able to explain how much this means.

                                                                                                                        Sincerely,

Ginger Bakos