TIM PICKERAL
Donation protected
2 1/2 years ago, Tim Pickeral, at age 46, was diagnosed with a very rare form of oral cancer called Clear Cell Odontigentic Carcinoma. He is the 44th case ever to be diagnosed with this rare cancer, and he never used tobacco products in his life. Currently, he is the only one known living with this form of cancer. He has already had 3 surgeries, including the right side of his lower jaw and lymph nodes removed. Chemotherapy and radiation do not help this cancer. Each time the cancer comes back, the doctors have to remove that area.
Tim is scheduled for a 10 hour surgery on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 to remove his chin and muscles/tissues in the surrounding area. They are going to replace his lower jaw/chin area with part of his fibula. They are also taking 2 skin grafts from his leg to replace the muscles and tissues that will be removed. Tim will have a feeding tube and trach for up to 4 months. He is being treated by Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, where he is happy with the doctors and staff who are taking care of him...in Tim's words "they are phenomenal".
Tim is going to be in the hospital for 10 days in Philadelphia separated from his family in Maryland. He will also be out of work for 3 months. Tim and his wife, Teresa, are very dedicated and loving parents to their sons...Timmy 13, Brody 9, and the twins Logan & Carson ages 5. They are very hard workers. Tim is finding it hard to have to take off work for such a long time ("I've been working since age 14"). Tim and Teresa are so independent and don't want to ask anyone for help. But, WE all want to help!
Tim and Teresa are going to be going through many trials in the upcoming months. We are asking for any donations to help toward medical bills and daily living expenses. It is our hope to raise $8,000 to help this extraordinary family by lifting a little of their burden.
Thank you for taking the time to read Tim's story. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you for your support and compassion! From all of the Pickeral's friends and family!
Tim is scheduled for a 10 hour surgery on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 to remove his chin and muscles/tissues in the surrounding area. They are going to replace his lower jaw/chin area with part of his fibula. They are also taking 2 skin grafts from his leg to replace the muscles and tissues that will be removed. Tim will have a feeding tube and trach for up to 4 months. He is being treated by Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, where he is happy with the doctors and staff who are taking care of him...in Tim's words "they are phenomenal".
Tim is going to be in the hospital for 10 days in Philadelphia separated from his family in Maryland. He will also be out of work for 3 months. Tim and his wife, Teresa, are very dedicated and loving parents to their sons...Timmy 13, Brody 9, and the twins Logan & Carson ages 5. They are very hard workers. Tim is finding it hard to have to take off work for such a long time ("I've been working since age 14"). Tim and Teresa are so independent and don't want to ask anyone for help. But, WE all want to help!
Tim and Teresa are going to be going through many trials in the upcoming months. We are asking for any donations to help toward medical bills and daily living expenses. It is our hope to raise $8,000 to help this extraordinary family by lifting a little of their burden.
Thank you for taking the time to read Tim's story. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you for your support and compassion! From all of the Pickeral's friends and family!
Organizer
Teresa Phillips-Pickeral
Organizer
Rising Sun, MD
