Dan Stephany is my dad, I am writing this on his behalf. The past month has been much of a surreal experience, not only is our world upside down from COVID-19, unfortunately we received the news that dad has cholangiocarcinoma, which is a type of cancer located in the bile duct. He has a wonderful team of oncologists and medical staff that believe the best course of treatment includes rounds of chemotherapy (through infusion and pill form), followed by chemo/radiation and then finally surgery to remove the mass. Upon meeting with the medical oncologist here in Fond du Lac, he is wanting to start treatment this week (week of April 6th), however, we may end up having to delay or postpone chemo, due the cost of the medication. This is the worst case scenario right now. Dad does have Medicare and an Advantage Plan, which picks up part of the cost, yet his co-pay is $490 for the pills, which are needed to start. Medical costs are crazy, let alone for someone on a fixed income, so we are hoping that we can get some assistance from family and friends that are able so that we don't need to postpone treatment and the inevitable that could come with that. 

I do want to also add that we are looking into assistance from the medication companies, but unfortunately it could take weeks for an answer, weeks that are precious time right now. We have exhausted options into state help with Medicaid that is based on income, and though he is on a fixed income, he is above the income level required for help. We are looking into help as well for medical bills that are rolling in after a long hospital and icu stay recently, so any money raised would go towards these past bills any upcoming medical costs. 

I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of you that have reached out in this time with thoughts and prayers and have helped thus far, I am so appreciative, as is our whole family and my dad especially. This is going to be a long journey, and we are just at the beginning, so please continue the prayers for him, he will need them throughout the next few challenging months.