Homeless Cancer Patient

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I was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal Cancer a few years ago. I lived in a rural area of Northern Michigan and the medical center there was not equipped to treat my cancer. They told me that I had 12-18 months to live. About a year later, my wife left me for a younger, healthier man. Who could blame her? Our young son wanted to live with me and my ex wife agreed. We moved to a large city downstate, whose cancer center was world renowned and had successfully treated my type and stage of cancer. A tissue biopsy showed Asbestos fibers. I began chemotherapy and radiation immediately. It was very aggresive and painful, but when it was over, the cancer was in remission. I enjoyed about a year of decent health and continued to work. But a year was all I got. I began getting sick with small bouts of aspiration pneumonia. My teeth began breaking off. Apparently, the radiation had dried my salivary glands. It became more and more difficult to swallow food. 2 summers ago, I was near death from a strain called Necrotizing or flesh eating pneumonia. I was in the ICU for over 2 weeks. Somehow I survived, but when I left, I was so weakened and had muscle atrophy. The disease had nearly destroyed my entire left lung. Breathing would become labored even with the slightest excertion. I could no longer work. I applied for disability and despite having 4 qualifying conditions, was still denied. I appealed every denial. I held on as long as I could with my savings, but a little over a year later, I was broke. I lost our home and car. Thankfully, a friend took pity on us and let us stay with him. I cintinued to deteriorate. Last August, I only weighed 114 pounds. I could not walk on my own. Fearing I was dying, my friend took me to the Emergency Room. They admitted me and began testing. They, as I, feared the cancer had recurred. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. The radiation had caused a weakening of the tissue. Frim that came a large growth, called a Zenker's Diverticulum. It was blocking 97% of my esophageal opening and diverting liquid into my lungs. The thoracic surgeon said I needed a very major operation. He said I was far too weak and malnourished to proceed. I needed to have a feeding tube. They took me to the operating room and placed the tube. After 8 days, I went home and tube fed for the 2 months that followed. I gained 15 pounds, could walk again and by October, was ready for the surgery to remove the Zenker's. On October 17, 2017, I had the 8 hour operation. 2 days afterward, I was eating real food again. It was a wonderful feeling. I went home after 6 days. On Halloween, a fever of 105° brought me to the ER. The surgeon admitted me. A CT scan with contrast showed debris from surgery had been left behind. This caused a serious infection called Sepsis. I was on IV antibiotics for 2 days and on Nov 2, they wheeled me back to the Operating Room and reopened the foot long incision. They cleaned everything out and I stayed for 6 days. 2 days before Thanksgiving, a leaky esophagus saw me admitted again. They put me on 6 around the clock IV antibiotics and I was NPO (no food or drink) for 5 days. On day 5, they did a swallow test, which showed no leaks. I had however contracted another illness called CDiff Toxin. They sent me home with medicine, but after 3 weeks it didnt work and a week before Christmas, I spent another 4 days in the hospital. Healing has been a slow process. The surgeon said this would be the case because of the fragile tissue. I have gained some weight back and am currently at 145. Still light, but much healthier than 114. A few weaks ago, the cord to a heater started my friends house on fire. The whole interior was gutted and everything except a few clothes was destroyed, including my son's most prized possession, his PS4. We had nowhere to go. My friends sister took him in, but not us. I went to all the agencies here and the 2 shelter that accept men with children are full with a waiting list. Housing is very difficult go fins here. It can take 5 months to get help from agencies. My anxiety is at an all time high. My son is distaught. Ive contacted all 527 churches in the area. Only 7 would help with a few nights lodging. Weve been on and off in a motel, but mostly we are outside. If I can raise the 2500.00, that will pay for the 1st 2 months rent and security deposit. I didnt want to ask for more and appear to be greedy. It has been tough, begging churches for help and being judged as lazy and irresponsible by pastors. Despite proof to the contrary, they think Im lying and only want money to buy booze and drugs with. They lump anyone who is poor into the same basket. One pastor told me that people don't end up like this unless they are alcoholics or drug addicts and that I needed to repent for my sin of addiction. I do not drink nor take drugs. Im not even on pain medication. Please help us if you can. I don't know what we will do if someone doesnt save us. Ive lost my faith in mankind and my faith in God is weak. Ive done everything I can do. I would love to just have a home for us a pillow for my son to lay his head at night. Its heartbreaking for my son to have to live like this. I love him so much. I fought very hard to live. I was in the ER last night. I have pneumonia and they wanted to admit me. I took antibiotics and left. Thank You So Much everybody.

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US$0.00
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No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities