CarlDickson-Veterans Battle

CARL DICKSON- A Private Battle For Carl Dickson, Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE), was the result of chemical exposure during his career in the Military. Near Thanksgiving of 2000, symptoms began and when finally diagnosed with this rare form of cancer nicknamed EHE, Carl was also given a death sentence. Six months is all they gave him,but if you have ever met this man, you would understand how he has been able to last 6 more months time and time again. In 2003 he was forced to retire from the military because of severe pain and 80% loss of eyesight. They found hot spots in multiple bones along with having lesions and tumors removed from both legs, right foot, and right hand. EHE is a type of blood cancer anywhere in the body and extreme pain has kept him from even normal daily tasks at times. He's allergic to most pain meds and the one that he can take,of course, the VA will not cover. According to the doctors, his cancer is a direct result to chemical exposure in Iraq. He has had 5 lung surgeries, a portion of his left lung removed, only 5% vision in left eye and only 18% vision in right eye. His medical treatments for the most part have been experimental and some causing further damage with a price tag beyond his means. Even with his own financial worries, Carl is constantly doing fundraisers for the Special Forces Veterans, to include marathons over 16 miles long. The cancer is so painful and yet he goes on without even giving a second thought about his well-being. He does this to prove to his young sons that nothing can stop you. He's an inspiration to other members of the EHE family. He has lived an amazing life and has many stories to tell. The loss off wages for caring for his family has been substantial forced retirement came too soon. Please share this story. #carldickson #veteran #hero #father #ehe