Donation protected
In November 2019, Alex started to notice some swelling in his leg and went to the VA. Physical therapy was initially recommended but by mid-December he had nearly softball-size swelling and went back in. They operated that day to relieve the swelling and took a sample for a biopsy. On December 29th, doctors discovered it was not an injury as previously thought, but that it was a tumor. On December 30th doctors received the biopsy results and determined it was Spindle Cell Sarcoma. They opened him back up that day to relieve pressure from the infection. On December 31st, Alex was flown to Salt Lake City to the VA there so that he could receive treatment at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He has met with the doctors there and they have confirmed that it is Spindle Cell Sarcoma.
On January 6th, Alex met with his oncologist for the first time. All previous information, until that point, had revolved around his leg and whether they could save it or not. Alex was hit with far worse information, however. He was informed that because of the type of cancer and its location, there is a 50-50 chance that the cancer will show up at another location in his body. That location is most likely the lungs. Obviously this is an aggressive form of cancer, and it brings up concerns far beyond the impact it will have on his leg. Instead of contemplating how he will deal with a change of lifestyle, Alex is now dealing with whether he will survive this or not. He is going to need a ton of support as he fights through all of this.
Alex flew back to Helena on January 8th and will start a 4-6-week course of radiation, five days a week. The hope at this point is that the radiation will shrink the tumor, and they will be able to save more of his muscle when removing it. The tumor is approximately the size of a volleyball currently. The radiation should also help with the pressure in his leg that is causing him so much pain. In 4-6 weeks after radiation is completed, Alex will come back to Salt Lake City where he will receive scans to determine the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. At this point the plan is to remove the tumor and tissue surrounding the tumor, to keep his leg. The tumor sits very close to his femur and there is concern that the femur may be compromised. If that is the case, amputation is highly likely. The oncologist has stated concerns that the leg will be largely immobile after the surgery because of the quadriceps muscle that is involved. The chances of Alex being able to walk without significant assistance are slim. He will likely have a sophisticated leg brace system that will straighten his leg for him as he won’t be able to accomplish that on his own. In this oncologist’s experience, many people who have had this surgery often opt for amputation after a year or two because of other issues caused by the lack of mobility in the leg (broken bones and dislocations due largely to falls).
Alex served in the Montana Army National Guard for 22 years and retired as a Sergeant First Class. During his time in the Guard, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November, 2004- October, 2005. His highest awards include the Order of Saint George, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal. In addition to his military service, Alex began a career in law enforcement in 1999 when he joined the Montana Highway Patrol. He continues to work for the Patrol as a Sergeant.
There is a potential for huge medical costs associated with his surgery and cancer treatments. We do not know what his insurance or the VA will cover at this time and the last thing that we want Alex worrying about right now is money. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards medical and travel expenses for his family to travel to be with him during this challenging time.
Some of Alex's co-workers set up a non-profit for any money that is raised. The beneficiary listed, Elizabeth Thompson, is one of those co-workers. All funds raised will be transferred into an account for Alex and his family to use for medical and travel expenses.
On January 6th, Alex met with his oncologist for the first time. All previous information, until that point, had revolved around his leg and whether they could save it or not. Alex was hit with far worse information, however. He was informed that because of the type of cancer and its location, there is a 50-50 chance that the cancer will show up at another location in his body. That location is most likely the lungs. Obviously this is an aggressive form of cancer, and it brings up concerns far beyond the impact it will have on his leg. Instead of contemplating how he will deal with a change of lifestyle, Alex is now dealing with whether he will survive this or not. He is going to need a ton of support as he fights through all of this.
Alex flew back to Helena on January 8th and will start a 4-6-week course of radiation, five days a week. The hope at this point is that the radiation will shrink the tumor, and they will be able to save more of his muscle when removing it. The tumor is approximately the size of a volleyball currently. The radiation should also help with the pressure in his leg that is causing him so much pain. In 4-6 weeks after radiation is completed, Alex will come back to Salt Lake City where he will receive scans to determine the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. At this point the plan is to remove the tumor and tissue surrounding the tumor, to keep his leg. The tumor sits very close to his femur and there is concern that the femur may be compromised. If that is the case, amputation is highly likely. The oncologist has stated concerns that the leg will be largely immobile after the surgery because of the quadriceps muscle that is involved. The chances of Alex being able to walk without significant assistance are slim. He will likely have a sophisticated leg brace system that will straighten his leg for him as he won’t be able to accomplish that on his own. In this oncologist’s experience, many people who have had this surgery often opt for amputation after a year or two because of other issues caused by the lack of mobility in the leg (broken bones and dislocations due largely to falls).
Alex served in the Montana Army National Guard for 22 years and retired as a Sergeant First Class. During his time in the Guard, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November, 2004- October, 2005. His highest awards include the Order of Saint George, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal. In addition to his military service, Alex began a career in law enforcement in 1999 when he joined the Montana Highway Patrol. He continues to work for the Patrol as a Sergeant.
There is a potential for huge medical costs associated with his surgery and cancer treatments. We do not know what his insurance or the VA will cover at this time and the last thing that we want Alex worrying about right now is money. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards medical and travel expenses for his family to travel to be with him during this challenging time.
Some of Alex's co-workers set up a non-profit for any money that is raised. The beneficiary listed, Elizabeth Thompson, is one of those co-workers. All funds raised will be transferred into an account for Alex and his family to use for medical and travel expenses.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristin Kilpela
Organizer
Helena, MT
Elizabeth Thompson
Beneficiary