Bear Dove
Donation protected
Hello.... If you look to the right, that is my brother Ron "Bear" Dove. The others, are me with the cheesy grin up front and big brother Bill on the left. This is a photo of the first fishing trip for the "three amigos" in a long time. In fact, other than my wedding, it's the first time the three of us have ever been out of the tri-state area together. It was a fishing trip near Gatlinburg in the fall of 2019 and it was amazing! Just spending time together with both of my brothers was fantastic even if the fishing wasn't. I'd trade a fish for more time with these two any day of the week.
In early January 2018, Bear experienced what he thought might be routine back pain (he's no Spring chicken). For a year and a half, he suffered from back pain and the doctors were unable to pinpoint the problem and treated him through standard pain management protocols. As a result of his "back injury", he was no longer able to work, ran out of FMLA in September 2018, and eventually lost his job. Throughout the ordeal, Bear maintained his optimism and was determined to overcome. Unfortunately, that proved to be a much steeper climb. Bear had much harder mountains to battle.
After several doctor visits and scans, Bear was diagnosed with bladder cancer in the Spring of 2019. Shortly after the diagnosis, he started chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy is a cocktail of drugs that are meant to blast the cancer cells and unfortunately, a lot of good ones in the mix. The treatment lasted through September 2019 until the doctors decided it was not having the desired impact. Searching for another opinion, Bear and his wife Tara sought another opinion from one of the most prestigious cancer research centers in the area. After consultation with a number of experts, it was decided that surgery was the best course of action.
On October 30, 2019, Bear went underwent surgery to remove his bladder and install a "neo-bladder." A neo-bladder is a synthetic bladder built from the intestine to collect urine and route it much like a bladder. While the surgery was successful in eliminating the need for a Urostomy pouch. This means that he is able to perform "normal" functions. Unfortunately, as a result of the surgery, there was nerve damage which resulted in a loss of sensitivity in several extremities.
The battle does not end here! My brother continues to fight. He has since been diagnosed with bone cancer. This is not something he has ever been comfortable with but I don't care. I love my brother and we need your help. Anything you can give is appreciated. Thank you for your support. We can't thank you enough!!! I am raising money to help sustain him and his family through his battle.
In early January 2018, Bear experienced what he thought might be routine back pain (he's no Spring chicken). For a year and a half, he suffered from back pain and the doctors were unable to pinpoint the problem and treated him through standard pain management protocols. As a result of his "back injury", he was no longer able to work, ran out of FMLA in September 2018, and eventually lost his job. Throughout the ordeal, Bear maintained his optimism and was determined to overcome. Unfortunately, that proved to be a much steeper climb. Bear had much harder mountains to battle.
After several doctor visits and scans, Bear was diagnosed with bladder cancer in the Spring of 2019. Shortly after the diagnosis, he started chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy is a cocktail of drugs that are meant to blast the cancer cells and unfortunately, a lot of good ones in the mix. The treatment lasted through September 2019 until the doctors decided it was not having the desired impact. Searching for another opinion, Bear and his wife Tara sought another opinion from one of the most prestigious cancer research centers in the area. After consultation with a number of experts, it was decided that surgery was the best course of action.
On October 30, 2019, Bear went underwent surgery to remove his bladder and install a "neo-bladder." A neo-bladder is a synthetic bladder built from the intestine to collect urine and route it much like a bladder. While the surgery was successful in eliminating the need for a Urostomy pouch. This means that he is able to perform "normal" functions. Unfortunately, as a result of the surgery, there was nerve damage which resulted in a loss of sensitivity in several extremities.
The battle does not end here! My brother continues to fight. He has since been diagnosed with bone cancer. This is not something he has ever been comfortable with but I don't care. I love my brother and we need your help. Anything you can give is appreciated. Thank you for your support. We can't thank you enough!!! I am raising money to help sustain him and his family through his battle.
Organizer
Robert Dove
Organizer
Middletown, OH