Be Troy's Backup To Fight Cancer

For over 34 years, Troy has been protecting and serving his community as a peace officer. During that time, he had his share of struggles with criminals. As a first responder on patrol, he often was the first on the scene with no “backup”. Later as a patrol sergeant, he was often the “backup” the other officers needed. Troy is in another struggle now, and like criminals it starts with a “C”, but this time it is cancer. And this time he needs us to be his “backup”. He began this fight back in February when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, a type of cancer that is very hard to detect until it has progressed. Currently working as an Investigator with the Brazos County Attorney’s Office, Troy used up almost all of his sick leave going through chemotherapy and radiation. After completing those batteries of treatment, Troy had surgery on July 14th at St. Luke’s Cancer Center in Houston to remove the tumors. What started out as a 7 hour orthoscopic surgery turned into a full blown surgery lasting almost 20 hours. The after-effects of being under anesthesia for that period of time were exceedingly difficult, but on Friday, July 22nd, he was able to return home with an optimism and determination that are just typical of Troy. The medical, hospital, and surgical costs are not even known at this time, but what is known is that Troy has now used up all of his available paid leave. It is unknown when he will actually be able to return to work. With himself and his family being covered on the county insurance, he is faced not just with the loss of income, but also with having to come up with the cost of insurance premiums every two weeks to keep himself and his family insured. Troy hasn’t “called for backup” in this matter, but knowing that help is needed, this is a time that his friends, family, co-workers, fellow officers, and this community that we call home, can do our part.
Rod Anderson, Brazos county Attorney.