Kenny Baggett's Memorial Fund
Donation protected
We need three things in this life: each other, a cure, and help.
Kenny Baggett, loving husband and father to 4 children, and elementary school teacher in Jenks, Oklahoma, was diagnosed with Stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung (NSCLC) in January 2014, at the age of 39. Since he was always a healthy and active sailboat racer who never smoked, this diagnosis came as a shock to everyone. At that time, Kenny was told he had 12 to 18 months to live, even with chemotherapy and radiation.
We had quickly found a genetic mutation in his cancer cells which allowed us to use a targeted oral chemotherapy that was much less toxic to his body. It was wonderful. The cancer responded better than we had hoped for the first 7 months. In the 8th month, Kenny's scans had shown the cancer was no longer decreasing in size, but was becoming less active and most likely still responding to the targeted chemotherapy.
When his next scans were read (at the end of March 2015), the result was jarring: the cancer had mutated and become resistant to his chemotherapy drug, and it was growing and spreading faster than ever in some areas. The cancer had returned to both lungs and had spread up and down Kenny's spine, to several lymph nodes, and throughout his hip bones to the tops of his legs. Where statistics matter, Kenny would be lucky to see the end of this year with his family.
That is where we find ourselves now. Looking at our chemotherapy options, clinical trials, and the huge possibility of traveling for treatment is quite overwhelming. We could not get in with M.D. Anderson last year because they would not accept Kenny's health insurance. (To be fair, they did offer us an optional out-of-pocket plan with a $37,500 deposit before the initial evaluation.) Kenny's last chemo drug, which was mostly covered by insurance, was $20,000 every 3 months. We are urged to consider therapies that would be completely out-of-pocket, and more expensive, at this time.
At this point, we have no other option but to ask for financial help. Most of the treatment options we have will cost us more than a small fortune; and while we continue to work to pay for his treatment, we must also be able to take care of four children, a mortgage, and two dogs. Any donation at all will be most greatly appreciated. Our donation goal is an estimate; like everything in this cancer battle, we have no real idea what the future might hold. Losing is not an option, but winning will surely cost a great deal.
Any amount raised that is not spent on Kenny's care, travel, housing, or the children's basic needs will be donated to advance lung cancer research.
Please help us in any way you can.
--Amanda Baggett, Kenny's extremely lucky wife
Kenny Baggett, loving husband and father to 4 children, and elementary school teacher in Jenks, Oklahoma, was diagnosed with Stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung (NSCLC) in January 2014, at the age of 39. Since he was always a healthy and active sailboat racer who never smoked, this diagnosis came as a shock to everyone. At that time, Kenny was told he had 12 to 18 months to live, even with chemotherapy and radiation.
We had quickly found a genetic mutation in his cancer cells which allowed us to use a targeted oral chemotherapy that was much less toxic to his body. It was wonderful. The cancer responded better than we had hoped for the first 7 months. In the 8th month, Kenny's scans had shown the cancer was no longer decreasing in size, but was becoming less active and most likely still responding to the targeted chemotherapy.
When his next scans were read (at the end of March 2015), the result was jarring: the cancer had mutated and become resistant to his chemotherapy drug, and it was growing and spreading faster than ever in some areas. The cancer had returned to both lungs and had spread up and down Kenny's spine, to several lymph nodes, and throughout his hip bones to the tops of his legs. Where statistics matter, Kenny would be lucky to see the end of this year with his family.
That is where we find ourselves now. Looking at our chemotherapy options, clinical trials, and the huge possibility of traveling for treatment is quite overwhelming. We could not get in with M.D. Anderson last year because they would not accept Kenny's health insurance. (To be fair, they did offer us an optional out-of-pocket plan with a $37,500 deposit before the initial evaluation.) Kenny's last chemo drug, which was mostly covered by insurance, was $20,000 every 3 months. We are urged to consider therapies that would be completely out-of-pocket, and more expensive, at this time.
At this point, we have no other option but to ask for financial help. Most of the treatment options we have will cost us more than a small fortune; and while we continue to work to pay for his treatment, we must also be able to take care of four children, a mortgage, and two dogs. Any donation at all will be most greatly appreciated. Our donation goal is an estimate; like everything in this cancer battle, we have no real idea what the future might hold. Losing is not an option, but winning will surely cost a great deal.
Any amount raised that is not spent on Kenny's care, travel, housing, or the children's basic needs will be donated to advance lung cancer research.
Please help us in any way you can.
--Amanda Baggett, Kenny's extremely lucky wife
Organizer
Amanda Baggett
Organizer
Glenpool, OK
