Hello everyone!  Thank you for taking the time to read my dad’s story.  At Christmas of 2015, my 54 year old dad, Dave Regis was diagnosed with Stage 2 Colon Cancer with a 12mm tumor.  In February of 2016 he began radiation treatments and $6190 oral chemotherapy for 5 weeks to shrink the tumor before surgery.  Unfortunately, even though his factory job offers 6 month short term disability, the length of his cancer treatments is expected to last over 8 months.  With the hope of keeping his job, my dad attempted to work full-time during round one of chemotherapy and radiation but he was only able to make it to work during the first 3 weeks of treatment.  His paycheck is his sole source of household income – since he was forced to leave work this year before surgery the disability job security clock began ticking early.  After briefly recovering after completing the first round of colon cancer treatments, his surgery to remove the tumor was scheduled on Memorial Day weekend.  Again - hoping to save his job - he returned to work briefly for a month before surgery.
 
On May 27th, his surgeon removed the tumor at the University of Louisville hospital.  Although the cancer had progressed to Stage 3 Colon Cancer, it had not spread.  However, the surgeon was forced to proceed with an invasive surgery which has resulted in an extended recovery time due to an ileostomy bag as well as battling infections in the incisions.  Along with an additional scheduled surgery next month to insert a chemotherapy port, my dad will now have a third surgery to reverse the ileostomy at the end of the summer.  Along with the additional aggressive chemotherapy treatment, his multiple surgeries are extending his time away from work.
 
Currently my dad is on 6 month disability until the end of Sept.  Even with partial income and some medical payments from disability insurance, out- of-pocket amounts have already become unmanageable.  Not including his first surgery in May, his medical bills have already accumulated to over $85,000 since Dec.  My dad experiences extra costs with his cancer treatment due to his metal heart valve from his congestive heart failure in 2010.  As most of you with private insurance can attest, cancer treatment medical bills are overwhelming and become insurmountable quite quickly.  The looming reality is my dad faces the possibility of losing his job of 11 years close to retirement. 
 
As his 20 yr old daughter, I am only managing this fundraising page – any donations will transfer directly to my dad’s bank account.  During my college break I am assisting my aunt, Michelle Regis with his travel and care for treatment this summer.  I am working part-time to try to help with his expenses and save for college.  Any donation amount is greatly appreciated, and will be used solely for out-of-pocket medical expenses, prescription co-pays and gas to drive to Louisville, KY for medical treatment.  Since most of my dad’s doctors are specialists his co-pay for office visits is $45.00 – with multiple appointments a week!   
 
If you are unable to donate, please add Dave Regis to your prayer lists, and please share this page.  I hope this fund will grow and help ease his financial worries - cancer is enough to worry about.  Thank you all for your love and support as we take this one step at a time.  I will update this page as he continues his journey.
 
Kate Regis
#GoBeyondGiving