My father is one of the most good-hearted, chivalrous people I know. He loves the outdoors, training at the gym with friends, and assistant coaching his 12-year-old daughters volleyball team. He has always been one of the healthiest people I know- everybody always thought age seemed to defy him- so that’s why the last few years have come as a shock to us all.

4 years ago my father had a freak accident that broke his back in multiple places. During that time he lived with family since he was unable to work and continue to make rent. My father is 63 and works construction jobs, which is pretty impossible to do without being able-bodied. He spent the greater part of a year bedridden, in lots of pain (but didn’t take any pain meds because he’s a champ like that). After about 2 years of healing dad was finally getting back on his feet, building back his business and paying off his debt.

A year later his father passed away from Alzheimers and just a few months after that he complained of having difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, and a fever that seemed to take forever to heal. His doctor broke the terrible news that we all dread to hear- he had throat cancer. He was squamous cell carcinoma p 16 positive. His life changed in an instant, and there were so many scary decisions that had to be made immediately.

Dad went in for throat surgery to remove the cancer growth and when the doctor was done we were informed they had to take out more of his throat, tongue, and lymph nodes than originally anticipated. It was heartbreaking to see my strong, impenetrable rock of a father, who I remember as the hero who saved me from drowning as a child, in this weakened and feeble state.

None of this has shattered my dad’s positive attitude and persevering spirit. He continues his healing process post-surgery and is working with a speech therapist too, though he still has a lot further to go to look and sound like himself. He was also informed that they may require him to do a second throat surgery in order to create more room in the back of his throat so that food and supplements can go down properly without getting stuck.

Right now we’re figuring out the best plan of attack to continue on the road to healing. We are currently looking into all treatment options; radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and alternative treatments, both in and out of the country. And if we do choose the alternative route insurance will unfortunately not cover the costs.

We will put this money towards all treatments and medical bills, and to help dad stay afloat if he requires more hospitalization and surgery.

It is incredibly important for my family to do everything we possibly can to continue to support my father on this daunting journey. And our spirits remain high as Dad continues to be an example of bravery in the face of these unfortunate circumstances.

Thank you, each one of you, for your support and generosity helping to alleviate our burden during this trying time.

Love & Light
Lindsey & The McKeon Family