Hello,

My name is Katie Bates and I am creating this GoFundMe for my father-in-law, John Bates.

Back in October of 2015, he was in a truck accident. He was hurt pretty badly and since then, he has not been the same. Seeing the pictures of his rig, we were happy he made it out alive.

Fast forward to November of 2021, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent chemotherapy & radiation. It took a massive toll on his body and not to mention his family. It was extremely hard to see him that sick. Thank God, as of May 2022, he has been in remission.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2024, he has been struggling with the aftermath of radiation. It has made him very sick and his body is becoming very fragile. His jaw has taken the worst part of it all. He cannot open his mouth to eat or to barely drink for that matter. He is about to undergo a major surgery.

The surgery is called Fibula Flap Reconstruction. He will most likely be in the hospital for two weeks. The surgery will hopefully be able to help him regain strength in his jaw and help him be able to move and open his mouth. My father-in-law has lost a significant amount of weight. He has been eating a pretty bland diet for the last couple of years. The shakes and protein and food items he's able to eat are very costly. My mother-in-law works two jobs and does everything she can to help him. It's a lot on the family, especially with the expense of it all.

My father-in-law is a great person. But he is extremely exhausted, he's had to give up a lot of his hobbies & the things he loves to do. He's a great dad & a great grandfather.

Anything donated would be greatly appreciated. We appreciate you all and thank you all so very much for the continued prayers and love from you all. He has a rough road ahead, but he can do this.

Thank you,

Katie Bates