Anthony Damrow - Stage 4 Colon Cancer
Donation protected
On March 4th, my son, Anthony Damrow, was diagnosed with colon cancer. One week later, he was operated on. The doctors removed a 3.5 cm tumor along with over a foot of his colon. A biopsy revealed that the cancer had spread which led to a diagnosis of Stage 3 Colon Cancer. He is now facing months of intensive chemotherapy.
Anthony is 43 years old and has spent the better part of his life concerned about others rather than himself. He is the first to listen when someone is hurting or to give someone a ride at one in the morning if they've had too much to drink. The first to support a fundraiser for someone in need, and the uncle who moved back home to help raise my grandson (his nephew) Lukas after he was born.
If you asked Anthony's friends what his greatest attribute is, they would tell you that he is not only a giving man but someone they can count on and trust to always be there for them.
Anthony gave up a quiet bachelor life to help his family. Since I am on a fixed income, I was concerned about the added stress and expenses of raising a child. When Anthony began sharing financial obligations, I was given peace of mind as well as the opportunity to regroup and refresh.
Below is a picture of the day that Lukas and “Papa” (as Lukas calls him) met at the University of Iowa Hospital neonatal intensive care unit.
As some of you know, Lukas was born with a very rare disorder called Prune Belly Syndrome (AKA Eagle-Barrett Syndrome). Fifty percent of children born with this disorder do not live to see their second birthday. Lukas is now 3 ½ years old and thriving! Many of his providers attribute this to his being raised in a loving, stable home.
Anthony has been advised by his doctors to remain at home while undergoing chemotherapy as his immune system will be compromised. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) adds an additional layer of complexity since it can be fatal for those who are immunocompromised and contract it.
Anthony already has a stack of medical bills he can't afford to pay. Like many of you, he lives paycheck to paycheck. Although he has health insurance, there are still thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses that health insurance does not cover (i.e. deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, etc.).
It is always humbling to ask for help, especially when everyone is under so much financial stress due to the Coronavirus. But cancer never asks if this is a good time to invade your body, your life, or your future.
If you are unable to make a monetary donation, that's alright, but would you mind sharing this fundraiser on your social media accounts?
Here is a recent video of Lukas and Anthony. As you can see, Lukas idolizes his Papa!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and here's hoping you and your loved ones remain healthy and safe, now and forever.
All my best,
-Kimberly Shursen
Anthony is 43 years old and has spent the better part of his life concerned about others rather than himself. He is the first to listen when someone is hurting or to give someone a ride at one in the morning if they've had too much to drink. The first to support a fundraiser for someone in need, and the uncle who moved back home to help raise my grandson (his nephew) Lukas after he was born.
If you asked Anthony's friends what his greatest attribute is, they would tell you that he is not only a giving man but someone they can count on and trust to always be there for them.
Anthony gave up a quiet bachelor life to help his family. Since I am on a fixed income, I was concerned about the added stress and expenses of raising a child. When Anthony began sharing financial obligations, I was given peace of mind as well as the opportunity to regroup and refresh.
Below is a picture of the day that Lukas and “Papa” (as Lukas calls him) met at the University of Iowa Hospital neonatal intensive care unit.
As some of you know, Lukas was born with a very rare disorder called Prune Belly Syndrome (AKA Eagle-Barrett Syndrome). Fifty percent of children born with this disorder do not live to see their second birthday. Lukas is now 3 ½ years old and thriving! Many of his providers attribute this to his being raised in a loving, stable home.
Anthony has been advised by his doctors to remain at home while undergoing chemotherapy as his immune system will be compromised. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) adds an additional layer of complexity since it can be fatal for those who are immunocompromised and contract it.
Anthony already has a stack of medical bills he can't afford to pay. Like many of you, he lives paycheck to paycheck. Although he has health insurance, there are still thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses that health insurance does not cover (i.e. deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, etc.).
It is always humbling to ask for help, especially when everyone is under so much financial stress due to the Coronavirus. But cancer never asks if this is a good time to invade your body, your life, or your future.
If you are unable to make a monetary donation, that's alright, but would you mind sharing this fundraiser on your social media accounts?
Here is a recent video of Lukas and Anthony. As you can see, Lukas idolizes his Papa!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and here's hoping you and your loved ones remain healthy and safe, now and forever.
All my best,
-Kimberly Shursen
Fundraising team (2)
Kimberly Shursen
Organizer
West Des Moines, IA
Anthony Damrow
Beneficiary
Andy Damrow
Team member
