On November 17, 2020, Carter Lee DeMott fulfilled a dream - to join the US Navy. The following day he went in for a routine eye exam to make sure all boxes were checked, assuring a speedy process through M.E.P.S (Military Entrance Processing Station) which was scheduled for the following week.  Those plans were suddenly delayed when the family optometrist discovered that the 18-year-old’s optic nerves were dangerously swollen and recommended he be taken to the ER right away.

After being admitted overnight to the hospital, the DeMotts received some shocking news: The MRI results showed that a tumor was invading a large portion of Carter's brain. Surgery was immediately scheduled for early the following week - the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. After 5 hours in the operating room, his neurosurgeon reported that he had successfully removed a vast majority of the tumor. After just 2 days, in hospital, the family miraculously returned home on Thanksgiving Day to begin the grueling four-week wait for the biopsy results. Meanwhile family and friends took time out to plan a surprise, Covid friendly, celebration of Carter’s 19th birthday. {December 3} This uplifted the family's spirits and lit up their entire neighborhood. 

The DeMotts then received regrettable news from the biopsy: Carter’s tumor was, Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma. He would need to immediately begin both radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Carter has continued to impress his medical team with his remarkable post-op progress.

The US Navy operates under three core values: honor, courage, and commitment. Carter has faced his cancer diagnosis with the honor of a man way beyond his years. He’s shown immeasurable courage in his dedication to fighting this invasive enemy.

Your kind donation will help with medical bills, transportation and more... Supporting this brave young man on his journey as he overcomes this obstacle.  So he may move forward with his plans for a future of dedicated service.