Danny Duels Cancer
Donation protected
Hi, I'm Tammy and this is my dad, Danny Van Keuren. He's been an adventurer, a soldier, an Indian trader, a race-car driver, rancher, farmer, biker and pilot. He has been on the go since he was a skinny boy of 15, hitchhiking across the country.
In March, a bout of what seemed like acid reflux or an ulcer sent him to see his doctor. It was more serious than imagined. In May of this year, he was finally diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer.
After learning the diagnosis, Dad opted to do a round of chemotherapy and radiation over the summer to shrink the tumor in his lower esophagus and keep the cancer from spreading further. In early June he had a small tumor removed around his intestine and a feeding tube inserted to help keep up with his nutrition needs.
In late June, our family embarked on a 6 1/2 week schedule of driving 5 days a week to another town for his treatments. During treatment, my sisters and I took turns helping with the driving, caretaking and household needs.
Dad went into this putting on a brave face. He reluctantly let us help him as the treatments started to take their toll on his body. I think he didn't want us to worry about him.
He made it through treatment and after a few setbacks is mending. We celebrate little victories in mililiters, calories and morning smiles. We take each day one step at a time and hope those steps get us a little further up the hill.
When I was a little girl, he'd call himself "Big Daddy Good Guy" when we pressed him for his nickname. He had bestowed upon my sisters and I silly monikers, Some of which we still refer to today. His nickname, to me, fit him perfectly. He was tall, strong with just the right amount of silly. Dad was and is a bit of mischevious mirth maker. Even now, when he has days where he is feeling the lowest of low, he can find a way to create a chuckle.
My dad has always been pretty self-sufficient and help is usually something he is used to giving. Over the years, his soft spot for stray dogs and stray people have been a constant part of his life. Growing up with very little, instilled a sense of charity in him which he passed on to us.
That is where this campaign comes in. I cannot do as much for Mom and Dad right now as I'd like. My pocketbook doesn't match up to my heart. I want to raise funds to help cover some of the expenses associated with caregiving for my Dad and helping Mom simplify their life. The out-of-state travel and other unforseen expenses add up. Dad is still in need of comfort items here and there. As winter nears, he is in need of new clothes because of the weight loss. To be able to help cover gas/travel expenses for family and friends who are caregiving would be a relief.
I have small hopes of a Thanksgiving spent together and bigger hopes of maybe, just maybe, Mom and Dad can finally celebrate that 50th anniversary with a little trip somewhere when he feels better.
Up to this point, we have covered many costs out-of-pocket. I am ever grateful to family and friends who have lent us a hand and donated their time.
Throughout this process, I have been truly humbled by the kind words, caring advice, physical help and well-wishes or prayers of friends and strangers alike.
On behalf of my sisters, Mom and Dad, I thank you.
In March, a bout of what seemed like acid reflux or an ulcer sent him to see his doctor. It was more serious than imagined. In May of this year, he was finally diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer.
After learning the diagnosis, Dad opted to do a round of chemotherapy and radiation over the summer to shrink the tumor in his lower esophagus and keep the cancer from spreading further. In early June he had a small tumor removed around his intestine and a feeding tube inserted to help keep up with his nutrition needs.
In late June, our family embarked on a 6 1/2 week schedule of driving 5 days a week to another town for his treatments. During treatment, my sisters and I took turns helping with the driving, caretaking and household needs.
Dad went into this putting on a brave face. He reluctantly let us help him as the treatments started to take their toll on his body. I think he didn't want us to worry about him.
He made it through treatment and after a few setbacks is mending. We celebrate little victories in mililiters, calories and morning smiles. We take each day one step at a time and hope those steps get us a little further up the hill.
When I was a little girl, he'd call himself "Big Daddy Good Guy" when we pressed him for his nickname. He had bestowed upon my sisters and I silly monikers, Some of which we still refer to today. His nickname, to me, fit him perfectly. He was tall, strong with just the right amount of silly. Dad was and is a bit of mischevious mirth maker. Even now, when he has days where he is feeling the lowest of low, he can find a way to create a chuckle.
My dad has always been pretty self-sufficient and help is usually something he is used to giving. Over the years, his soft spot for stray dogs and stray people have been a constant part of his life. Growing up with very little, instilled a sense of charity in him which he passed on to us.
That is where this campaign comes in. I cannot do as much for Mom and Dad right now as I'd like. My pocketbook doesn't match up to my heart. I want to raise funds to help cover some of the expenses associated with caregiving for my Dad and helping Mom simplify their life. The out-of-state travel and other unforseen expenses add up. Dad is still in need of comfort items here and there. As winter nears, he is in need of new clothes because of the weight loss. To be able to help cover gas/travel expenses for family and friends who are caregiving would be a relief.
I have small hopes of a Thanksgiving spent together and bigger hopes of maybe, just maybe, Mom and Dad can finally celebrate that 50th anniversary with a little trip somewhere when he feels better.
Up to this point, we have covered many costs out-of-pocket. I am ever grateful to family and friends who have lent us a hand and donated their time.
Throughout this process, I have been truly humbled by the kind words, caring advice, physical help and well-wishes or prayers of friends and strangers alike.
On behalf of my sisters, Mom and Dad, I thank you.
Organizer
Tammy Van Keuren
Organizer
Phoenix, AZ
