Wade started having health issues in the Fall of 2012. After months of tests, scans, referrals, medications, and biopsies, he was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune deficiency. This means that his immune system is confused and instead of attacking bad cells (like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells) it attacks healthy cells, tissue, and organs while allowing the bad cells to grow. His case is extremely complicated and rare. He received weekly IVIG treatments for over a year, and occasionally they would boost his immune system for a few weeks. His blood counts are not good enough to schedule the surgery that he needs to remove a large mass that was discovered in his stomach last year. Even if they were, his immune system would not allow him to heal. He received chemo last Fall in an attempt to shrink the mass. His latest scans show that the mass is not any smaller and has spread to his kidneys as well. He is beginning an aggressive treatment of both chemo and radiation this week. Wade is blessed to have good insurance and a great support system. The last two years could've been much worse, but they haven't been easy. Even with insurance, his medical bills are astronomical. Radiation alone costs $190/treatment, and he is scheduled to have 21. He's still working at Dale County High School and still assistant coaching high school football. He still volunteer-coaches his son's baseball team and hasn't let this slow him down a bit. Although there's no cure for his condition, I believe he is stronger than any obstacles he'll face. We appreciate every positive thought, prayer, or penny you send his way!