My Dad, Doug Borowicz, is undergoing his third battle with a rare form of cancer called Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Based on a recommendation from the Mayo Clinic he is going to do three rounds of chemotherapy as well as a stem cell transplant this fall. I wanted to start this page to help assist in covering the costs that are not covered by health insurance, including things like gas and hotel for all of his appointments, as well as a mandatory one-month stay in Rochester as part of his recovery after the stem cell transplant.


My Dad's first cancer diagnosis was in 1987 at the age of 25, the same year of the birth of his second child. At that time he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  He spent approximately 10 months completing experimental chemotherapy. Due to the intensity of this rigorous chemotherapy program, he developed Legionnaire's disease and was quarantined. Throughout this first battle, he started his teaching and coaching career at Central Valley High School, as well as raising his two young children, Megan and Ryan.  A couple years after his remission in 1993, his Boys Basketball's team won the North Dakota State Basketball Championship! 

He thought he was in the clear until 2015, when he noted symptoms that sent him to the emergency room in Roseau. During a scan, they noted a recurrence of his Lymphoma. He then transferred care to Altru in Grand Forks to start yet another round of chemotherapy. His Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma was treated with another aggressive round of chemotherapy. This treatment lasted for approximately 2 months. His body was challenged and he had to endure testing for his breathing as well as many rounds of IV fluids to help his kidneys that were damaged by the medication. All the while, he kept an incredibly positive attitude. He continued to teach at Roseau High School and remain active with his grandchildren. 

He continued routine testing as recommended per his oncologist. On a routine follow up PET scan, they noted an increase in the size of his lymph nodes in his groin and axilla regions. A biopsy revealed malignancy yet again. He was referred to Mayo Clinic by his oncology team at Altru. Due to the rarity and complexity of his case, he had to wait until the monthly tumor meeting at Mayo Clinic to discuss his case with other leading doctors in the field. Based on the results of the meeting, the team’s recommendations included yet another course of chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. 

My Dad is an incredibly hard-working, humble man who would never ask for a dime. However, cancer is expensive, regardless of your insurance plan. I am asking for any assistance to help him continue to lead as "normal" a life as possible. His life has been spent coaching and teaching others. I am hoping that now he can be cared for by others, even though he would never ask. 

Thank you for your time! We are hoping the 3rd times a charm! 
Megan Hemmelgarn