Joe Cantrell's Fighting Cancer Fund
This is a story about Joseph "Joe" William Cantrell. It's not his entire story, just a part of it. Joe was born in 1956 to James and Jean Cantrell and is the sixth child out of twelve (two sons and ten daughters!). He is the proud father of seven children, has thirteen beautiful grandkids and a wonderful wife named Peggy. Joe is a faithful servant of God, a farmer and, as we've learned over the past couple years, a fighter. He's my dad.
In March 2014, my dad was rushed to the ER after suffering from headaches and seizures. Within a few days, an emergency craniotomy was performed that removed a tumor about the size of a large orange. Post-surgery, we were happy to learn that the surgeon successfully removed the entire tumor, unfortunately, it was malignant. Within the coming days my dad was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme. We were crushed, but my dad remained strong. Over the next few weeks and months, he would begin chemo and radiation. It was soon time for his first post-craniotomy MRI. We braced ourselves. The statistics told us to expect tumor growth, but the scan came back clear! Praise the Lord! We continued to get good news until the scan in January 2016 came back with growth.
We're now starting the next chapter of this story. My dad is going to fight this cancer and has begun participation in a clinical trial at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). In February 2016, he underwent an experimental procedure that involved injecting a chemo drug directly into his tumor. The goal is to stabilize growth. He'll need to continue making trips to UCSF for follow-ups and treatment.
Due to his illness, my dad had to leave his job. My family and I are raising money to fund the trips he needs to take from Oregon to San Francisco for his treatment and we're asking for your support.
My dad has said his greatest wish is to see his grandchildren grow up and that is something he's willing to fight for. I know his story has many more beautiful chapters yet to be written. On behalf of my family, and myself, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.
