Anthony Baca's Cancer Fight

Hi, my name is Shawnee Baca. I am fundraising for my husband's life, as we face the new cancer battle before us. Anthony was diagnosed in July 2019 with Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma, completed six rounds of chemotherapy, and a Stem Cell Transplant in January 2020. Anyone that knows Anthony, knows that he fought hard for his life, and smiled the whole way through. He is an inspiration to many and made no excuses for himself - losing and gaining back 30 pounds... twice. He regained his strength, and even won a partner CrossFit Competition with his good friend just a few months ago. Anthony has enjoyed the last two years in remission spending time doing what he loves the most - being the best Dad to our two children, Shelby and Terrence, and coaching Weightlifting and CrossFit.

 

Our life took an unexpected turn on Thursday, October 28th. Anthony had a seizure while attending our son's Pre-School Halloween Party. This seizure led Anthony to the Mayo Clinic Emergency Department. The results that followed from a CT scan of the head brought answers for the seizure, but news we were praying not to hear... "There is a mass in your brain."

 

After being admitted, the team at Mayo wasted no time - Anthony received an MRI that evening. The results of the MRI came early the next morning. There was not just one mass, but three tumors. One on the right side of Anthony's frontal lobe and the other two on the left side. As this news was being delivered to us, they were prepping the OR to receive Anthony for a Brain Biopsy.

 

Anthony underwent his first surgery ever (go big or go home, I guess), a Brain Biopsy lasting almost three hours. Although the Neuro Surgeon sent the sample to Pathology, he did state that the preliminary findings suggest, Lymphoma. Our hearts are broken.

 

We know what a fight against Lymphoma feels like, but now the brain is involved. We are calling on all prayer warriors to cover Anthony in prayers of healing as we are about to begin another fight for his life. We have seen the Lord work miracles before, and we know that He can do it again. We have confidence in the Lord's plan for Anthony's life, and we are so thankful to have the best team of doctors working to develop the best course of action for treatment.

 

We are asking for help. We have a mountain of medical bills coming our way... that are all too familiar. The funds raised from this GoFundMe will be used to pay our insurance - out of pocket maximum for 2021 (that we have already met) and 2022, as we will again meet it within the first month of the new year. Funds will also assist with our monthly bills, as Anthony will not be able to work during treatment. We want to make sure our kids can still participate in sports they love, and enjoy time as a family despite the trial we are facing.

 

Thank you for your consideration in donating to help us during our time of need. We know the Lord will use Anthony's fight to touch and change lives. We invite you to smile and fight alongside us!

 

I will update as we know more about treatment and as we move through this journey. You can also access Anthony’s Facebook support group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/690800758055253/?ref=share

 

Still #BacaStrong,

Shawnee