FCancer for Kevin Fund
Donation protected
I set this up for my dear friend Kevin Decker, whom I consider a brother and have known for many years and is in the fight of his life right now at age 33. This campaign is intended for Kevin.
Kevin has spent his life trying to help other people. He is service-connected Disabled Veteran of the United States Air Force. Kevin is also an Eagle Scout, a rare achievement as only two percent of the roughly 83 million Boy Scouts since 1911 have ever attained the rank. He's also a member of the Knights of Columbus and is active in their charity work.
These are just some of examples of the level of dedication Kev has for service and giving to his country, community, family and friends. Deep down, Kev is just a goofy guy who loves to laugh, loves his parents, his sister Erin, his girlfriend Kerry and his cats. He loves to let his imagination run as fast and as hard as he works.
In May 2014, things were just starting to go Kevin's way. He was in school for computer networking getting flawless grades, and he had just landed a job as a Project Coordinator at an IT firm. It was then he noticed something was off with his body. He began feeling discomfort in his groin area. He thought at first it might just be his imagination, but after performing a self-check on his genital region, discovered that something was wrong. He scheduled an appointment with his Doctor immediately.
Kevin saw his doctor on a Friday, who recommended he get an ultrasound the day of his visit. A few hours later, he received a call from his Doctor telling him the ultrasound revealed a tumor in his left testicle. She urged him to visit the Emergency Room, for fear that a condition called testicular torsion could occur and further complicate things. Kev was in the ER soon after, where he got another ultrasound. The doctors told him they believed the tumor they saw was in line with Testicular Cancer. He was scheduled to see a Urologist on Tuesday.
The Urologist confirmed the fears of the ultrasounds and initial diagnosis from his doctors: Stage 1 Testicular Cancer. They scheduled him for surgery on Wednesday.
This was just a whirlwind of shock, fear, emotion and just not knowing what to expect next, all taking place over the course of five days.
Wednesday came, and surgery was performed to remove his left testicle. Kevin stopped breathing during the surgery, but came out on the other end and woke up groggy but ok.
The road to recovery was a physical and emotional challenge, but Kevin attacked it head on like he always does. Eventually he was able to start working out, and enjoyed exercising 3 times a week with Ian Cameron, the husband of his longtime friend Ashley. Ian had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, but his unyielding determination and positive outlook inspired Kevin. The two bonded rapidly over the next few months. Sadly, Ian's cancer spread into his spinal fluid, and he was taken by Carcinomatous Meningitis in early September. Despite having only known him for a short time, the loss of Ian affected Kev greatly; I know he talks about him frequently, and tries to look out for Ashley, who is an incredibly strong woman, whenever he can.
Later in September, Kevin had his first blood test to check for tumor markers, which came back clean. These blood tests, which would occur every 3 months, combined with a CT scan every 6 months, were part of a surveillance plan his Oncologist recommended in lieu of immediate radiation or chemotherapy. The idea was not to over-treat his condition, as 70% of men who have surgery to remove the affected testicle with early detection are cured, and getting radiation or chemo is essentially poisoning the body needlessly. This first result was a really positive sign for Kevin. Thinking the nightmare was over, Kevin and Kerry began to plan a future together.
His 6 month CT scan came the day before Thanksgiving. Kevin had the utmost confidence that it would be routine, just like his second blood test, which again came back clean. Kevin was riding a high of successes by December; he had just graduated as Valedictorian of his class with a 3.97 GPA, and at work he had just been made Project Manager of a high-profile project involving two Fortune 500 companies. Kevin has kept his spirits high and maintained his humorous nature, like below at his company's Christmas party:
Then came the phone call from his Oncologist: the CT scan showed enlarged lymph nodes in his abdomen, which meant his cancer had spread and now his diagnosis progressed to Stage 2 Testicular Cancer. It was three days before Christmas.
Kev's next step was to meet with a Radiation Oncologist. He recommended a regimen of radiation therapy that Kevin is currently going through which includes treatments every day, Monday throughFriday for a month. Kevin posted this on his Facebook page on Feb. 4th, World Cancer Day 2015:
"What getting treated for cancer with radiation is like (for me):
If you're not comfortable with tmi or the realities of dealing with cancer, then I'd stop here if I were you.
Walk in, go to the changing area. Kerry, after driving me to my appointment, as she does every day, because she's awesome and I don't know what I would do without her, takes a seat in the general waiting room.
Get naked from the waist down, put on a gown, put all my stuff in a locker.
Wait in a small waiting room in the back until a nurse gets me.
Go into the treatment room where a giant machine waits with a table where a mold of my legs lays.
I lay down, getting my legs into the exact position of the mold. The nurses ceran-wrap my bits and pieces and put them into a lead case, nicknamed a 'jewel box', and rest that on a towel put between my legs.
I lay still while the nurses move my body, which I am not to help them by shifting or adjusting my body. They have already tattooed several dots on my stomach and sides, and move me until those dots line up with the lasers shining down from the ceiling. There is a section of ceiling tile that has been converted into a computer generated scene to look as if one is staring up at a blue sky with cherry blossom branches, to provide a sense of comfort to you as you lay there.
Once I am in position, the machine slides me under the device, which looks like a ray gun. I lay there still as a statue as they use the machine to take pictures as a CT scan, to ensure I'm in the same exact position as every time before, to minimize the chance the radiation will bounce to healthy tissue.
Once the pictures have been taken and they are ready, the treatment begins. There is a loud, droning noise as the caution: radiation light goes on and the radiation is administered to my abdomen at the front, then the back. My head is not part of the treatment area so my hair isn't going to fall out.
This goes on in bursts until finished, then they slide me back to the position we started in, they remove me from the confines of the Jewel Box, unwrap me, help me up and I go back to get changed.
Today is World Cancer Day. If you are fighting, if you have survived, or if you know anyone who has fought, is fighting, or has been taken by cancer, know that you have my thoughts and energy being sent to you and your loved ones. Honor those memories of the lost men and women not just today, but whenever you can. Treat those still here as if they're regular people, and for the love of the gods, don't immediately tell them you know someone who died of cancer when they tell you they have cancer. Treat them like a person. Know that we worry more about our loved ones' stress levels and well being more than we do our own, but that we are determined as hell to get this battle won and done.
Cancer is a disease. It's not Leprosy. If you know someone who is dealing with it, don't shun them. A lot of people do it without realizing they're doing it. Same thing goes with patronizing. Some people just don't know how to react or deal with it, especially if it's someone they know and know well. Just treat them as usual. Normal is where we want to be again, feeling as normal as possible on the way there can be a big help.
If you want to help, there are lots of ways to contribute. Educate yourself. Read, talk to someone who is fighting. To gain understanding of the disease but mainly to gain an understanding of the disease as it affects that individual, because it's different per person. The journey is as unique as the one traversing it, and those who love them who are traversing journeys of their own. It's hard, but talking helps. Real talk, not peripheral, toe in the water bullshit talk. You never know down the road if this is going to be your situation or someone you love.
Get aware and get checked. A lot of people could be treated and survive and live long lives with early detection. Especially with my cancer, testicular, the average wait for a man to see a doctor about it after they detect a problem problem is FIVE MONTHS. Don't be scared, don't be embarrassed, don't get prideful and think it'll go away. If you feel something, get it looked at. Dismissing something as paranoia can lead you down a road of pain, regret and varying degrees of loss. Get aware, spread awareness. It saves lives."
I think this gives you an idea of the kind of person who is Kevin. He hasn't missed a day of work since starting his radiation treatments, in fact he is working ten hour days, and he has stayed positive despite being extremely tired and nauseous from the radiation. He is a beast, but the challenges he is facing are surmounting and he needs help.
The biggest concern are the hospital and treatment bills tied to his surgery, recovery, and now radiation treatments for his Stage 1 and now Stage 2 Testicular Cancer. Even with medical insurance, Kevin was already facing $15,000 in bills from the surgery and now $20,000 from the treatments, which are still ongoing. The bills are piling up at an alarming rate. He's been trying to deal with it all but it has created immense stress that is making his fight even tougher to endure. Kevin needs to focus on his healing and beating this Cancer once and for all instead of having to worry about bills.
I think now he needs a hand, but I want him focused on getting better so I created this site to ask for help to fight with him. I am determined to make the WORLD know Kevin Decker's name, and I hope his story and his life inspires men and women with cancer to keep fighting just as hard as Kevin is, and for men to start checking themselves more often to detect signs of Testicular Cancer early.
Kevin is a passionate advocate for F Cancer, a charitable movement dedicated to not just fighting Cancer, but fighting it through early detection and thus exponentially increasing a patient's chances for survival. He caught onto the movement through Stephen Amell, star of the hit TV show Arrow, who raised awareness and funds for F Cancer.
Spreading awareness about early detection and early reporting to a doctor is something Kev feels extremely passionate about. Even though he caught this super early, it still spread to his Lymph Nodes. Imagine what would have happened if he hadn't detected it himself, or worse, if he had waited, like most men do before seeing a doctor.
Together, we can help Kevin keep the weight of these bills off his back, We can help him fight in ways he's never even dreamed of and allow him to meet his growing bills but to also spread awareness.
I thank you in advance for anything you can provide, whether it be in the form of financial, emotional, or spiritual support.
Even if all you do is just forward this site along to as many people as you know by sharing on Facebook, Tweeting, or sharing on other social media, you are making an awesome contribution by spreading awareness of Kevin's mission to F Cancer and let other people know his story.
Check back with us to see how Kevin's treatments are going, as I will be providing updates as he progresses through his Radiation treatments.
Join us in this epic quest of a lifetime to help keep a brilliant life going and burning bright for another lifetime. Those who are close with Kev regard him as their brother from another mother, as family. He's that kind of person. We need to have his back when he's in the fight of his life, so please join us by sharing, spreading the word, and/or contributing to this fund.
Kevin's family, friends, loved ones and especially myself are eternally grateful for all your support.
#FCancerforKev
Kevin has spent his life trying to help other people. He is service-connected Disabled Veteran of the United States Air Force. Kevin is also an Eagle Scout, a rare achievement as only two percent of the roughly 83 million Boy Scouts since 1911 have ever attained the rank. He's also a member of the Knights of Columbus and is active in their charity work.
These are just some of examples of the level of dedication Kev has for service and giving to his country, community, family and friends. Deep down, Kev is just a goofy guy who loves to laugh, loves his parents, his sister Erin, his girlfriend Kerry and his cats. He loves to let his imagination run as fast and as hard as he works.
In May 2014, things were just starting to go Kevin's way. He was in school for computer networking getting flawless grades, and he had just landed a job as a Project Coordinator at an IT firm. It was then he noticed something was off with his body. He began feeling discomfort in his groin area. He thought at first it might just be his imagination, but after performing a self-check on his genital region, discovered that something was wrong. He scheduled an appointment with his Doctor immediately.
Kevin saw his doctor on a Friday, who recommended he get an ultrasound the day of his visit. A few hours later, he received a call from his Doctor telling him the ultrasound revealed a tumor in his left testicle. She urged him to visit the Emergency Room, for fear that a condition called testicular torsion could occur and further complicate things. Kev was in the ER soon after, where he got another ultrasound. The doctors told him they believed the tumor they saw was in line with Testicular Cancer. He was scheduled to see a Urologist on Tuesday.
The Urologist confirmed the fears of the ultrasounds and initial diagnosis from his doctors: Stage 1 Testicular Cancer. They scheduled him for surgery on Wednesday.
This was just a whirlwind of shock, fear, emotion and just not knowing what to expect next, all taking place over the course of five days.
Wednesday came, and surgery was performed to remove his left testicle. Kevin stopped breathing during the surgery, but came out on the other end and woke up groggy but ok.
The road to recovery was a physical and emotional challenge, but Kevin attacked it head on like he always does. Eventually he was able to start working out, and enjoyed exercising 3 times a week with Ian Cameron, the husband of his longtime friend Ashley. Ian had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, but his unyielding determination and positive outlook inspired Kevin. The two bonded rapidly over the next few months. Sadly, Ian's cancer spread into his spinal fluid, and he was taken by Carcinomatous Meningitis in early September. Despite having only known him for a short time, the loss of Ian affected Kev greatly; I know he talks about him frequently, and tries to look out for Ashley, who is an incredibly strong woman, whenever he can.
Later in September, Kevin had his first blood test to check for tumor markers, which came back clean. These blood tests, which would occur every 3 months, combined with a CT scan every 6 months, were part of a surveillance plan his Oncologist recommended in lieu of immediate radiation or chemotherapy. The idea was not to over-treat his condition, as 70% of men who have surgery to remove the affected testicle with early detection are cured, and getting radiation or chemo is essentially poisoning the body needlessly. This first result was a really positive sign for Kevin. Thinking the nightmare was over, Kevin and Kerry began to plan a future together.
His 6 month CT scan came the day before Thanksgiving. Kevin had the utmost confidence that it would be routine, just like his second blood test, which again came back clean. Kevin was riding a high of successes by December; he had just graduated as Valedictorian of his class with a 3.97 GPA, and at work he had just been made Project Manager of a high-profile project involving two Fortune 500 companies. Kevin has kept his spirits high and maintained his humorous nature, like below at his company's Christmas party:
Then came the phone call from his Oncologist: the CT scan showed enlarged lymph nodes in his abdomen, which meant his cancer had spread and now his diagnosis progressed to Stage 2 Testicular Cancer. It was three days before Christmas.
Kev's next step was to meet with a Radiation Oncologist. He recommended a regimen of radiation therapy that Kevin is currently going through which includes treatments every day, Monday throughFriday for a month. Kevin posted this on his Facebook page on Feb. 4th, World Cancer Day 2015:
"What getting treated for cancer with radiation is like (for me):
If you're not comfortable with tmi or the realities of dealing with cancer, then I'd stop here if I were you.
Walk in, go to the changing area. Kerry, after driving me to my appointment, as she does every day, because she's awesome and I don't know what I would do without her, takes a seat in the general waiting room.
Get naked from the waist down, put on a gown, put all my stuff in a locker.
Wait in a small waiting room in the back until a nurse gets me.
Go into the treatment room where a giant machine waits with a table where a mold of my legs lays.
I lay down, getting my legs into the exact position of the mold. The nurses ceran-wrap my bits and pieces and put them into a lead case, nicknamed a 'jewel box', and rest that on a towel put between my legs.
I lay still while the nurses move my body, which I am not to help them by shifting or adjusting my body. They have already tattooed several dots on my stomach and sides, and move me until those dots line up with the lasers shining down from the ceiling. There is a section of ceiling tile that has been converted into a computer generated scene to look as if one is staring up at a blue sky with cherry blossom branches, to provide a sense of comfort to you as you lay there.
Once I am in position, the machine slides me under the device, which looks like a ray gun. I lay there still as a statue as they use the machine to take pictures as a CT scan, to ensure I'm in the same exact position as every time before, to minimize the chance the radiation will bounce to healthy tissue.
Once the pictures have been taken and they are ready, the treatment begins. There is a loud, droning noise as the caution: radiation light goes on and the radiation is administered to my abdomen at the front, then the back. My head is not part of the treatment area so my hair isn't going to fall out.
This goes on in bursts until finished, then they slide me back to the position we started in, they remove me from the confines of the Jewel Box, unwrap me, help me up and I go back to get changed.
Today is World Cancer Day. If you are fighting, if you have survived, or if you know anyone who has fought, is fighting, or has been taken by cancer, know that you have my thoughts and energy being sent to you and your loved ones. Honor those memories of the lost men and women not just today, but whenever you can. Treat those still here as if they're regular people, and for the love of the gods, don't immediately tell them you know someone who died of cancer when they tell you they have cancer. Treat them like a person. Know that we worry more about our loved ones' stress levels and well being more than we do our own, but that we are determined as hell to get this battle won and done.
Cancer is a disease. It's not Leprosy. If you know someone who is dealing with it, don't shun them. A lot of people do it without realizing they're doing it. Same thing goes with patronizing. Some people just don't know how to react or deal with it, especially if it's someone they know and know well. Just treat them as usual. Normal is where we want to be again, feeling as normal as possible on the way there can be a big help.
If you want to help, there are lots of ways to contribute. Educate yourself. Read, talk to someone who is fighting. To gain understanding of the disease but mainly to gain an understanding of the disease as it affects that individual, because it's different per person. The journey is as unique as the one traversing it, and those who love them who are traversing journeys of their own. It's hard, but talking helps. Real talk, not peripheral, toe in the water bullshit talk. You never know down the road if this is going to be your situation or someone you love.
Get aware and get checked. A lot of people could be treated and survive and live long lives with early detection. Especially with my cancer, testicular, the average wait for a man to see a doctor about it after they detect a problem problem is FIVE MONTHS. Don't be scared, don't be embarrassed, don't get prideful and think it'll go away. If you feel something, get it looked at. Dismissing something as paranoia can lead you down a road of pain, regret and varying degrees of loss. Get aware, spread awareness. It saves lives."
I think this gives you an idea of the kind of person who is Kevin. He hasn't missed a day of work since starting his radiation treatments, in fact he is working ten hour days, and he has stayed positive despite being extremely tired and nauseous from the radiation. He is a beast, but the challenges he is facing are surmounting and he needs help.
The biggest concern are the hospital and treatment bills tied to his surgery, recovery, and now radiation treatments for his Stage 1 and now Stage 2 Testicular Cancer. Even with medical insurance, Kevin was already facing $15,000 in bills from the surgery and now $20,000 from the treatments, which are still ongoing. The bills are piling up at an alarming rate. He's been trying to deal with it all but it has created immense stress that is making his fight even tougher to endure. Kevin needs to focus on his healing and beating this Cancer once and for all instead of having to worry about bills.
I think now he needs a hand, but I want him focused on getting better so I created this site to ask for help to fight with him. I am determined to make the WORLD know Kevin Decker's name, and I hope his story and his life inspires men and women with cancer to keep fighting just as hard as Kevin is, and for men to start checking themselves more often to detect signs of Testicular Cancer early.
Kevin is a passionate advocate for F Cancer, a charitable movement dedicated to not just fighting Cancer, but fighting it through early detection and thus exponentially increasing a patient's chances for survival. He caught onto the movement through Stephen Amell, star of the hit TV show Arrow, who raised awareness and funds for F Cancer.
Spreading awareness about early detection and early reporting to a doctor is something Kev feels extremely passionate about. Even though he caught this super early, it still spread to his Lymph Nodes. Imagine what would have happened if he hadn't detected it himself, or worse, if he had waited, like most men do before seeing a doctor.
Together, we can help Kevin keep the weight of these bills off his back, We can help him fight in ways he's never even dreamed of and allow him to meet his growing bills but to also spread awareness.
I thank you in advance for anything you can provide, whether it be in the form of financial, emotional, or spiritual support.
Even if all you do is just forward this site along to as many people as you know by sharing on Facebook, Tweeting, or sharing on other social media, you are making an awesome contribution by spreading awareness of Kevin's mission to F Cancer and let other people know his story.
Check back with us to see how Kevin's treatments are going, as I will be providing updates as he progresses through his Radiation treatments.
Join us in this epic quest of a lifetime to help keep a brilliant life going and burning bright for another lifetime. Those who are close with Kev regard him as their brother from another mother, as family. He's that kind of person. We need to have his back when he's in the fight of his life, so please join us by sharing, spreading the word, and/or contributing to this fund.
Kevin's family, friends, loved ones and especially myself are eternally grateful for all your support.
#FCancerforKev
Organizer
Monte Bertrand
Organizer
Conshohocken, PA
