Donny Rice Needs Us

Hi, my name is Sandy Alphonso and I’m fundraising for my brother in law, Donny Rice.

Donny is well known to his family and friends as a caring, loving, and dedicated family man. If I had to summarize Donny’s priorities in life, it would be his love for God, Country, Family, friends, and of course his Georgia Bulldogs.

In 2014, Donny was diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma Head and Neck Cancer. His love for life gave him the energy and will to win the battle. He was in remission for nine years.

In January he was not feeling well. He had pneumonia and then told they believed he had a life threatening Anemia. He was quickly sent to Emory Hospital for further testing and care. He was given the devastating news that it was not Anemia but he was given the diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. And, so once again, he has pulled together the strength to fight this terrible disease.

He has now been going through many tests and has began Chemotherapy. He will have a bone marrow transplant soon. His loving sister, Kelly Lanier, is a perfect match and will be his donor.

Donny is such a wonderful man who is full of pride. He and his wife, Cindy, would never ask anyone for financial help. However, I know the financial burden this battle is taking right now on them both. She has had to quit her job where she has worked for many years to be his full time caregiver. The treatment plan for this aggressive leukemia is very detailed and rigorous. They drive 2 hours in traffic each way every day to take him to Northside Hospital for his treatments. His medical expenses and lost wages have really taken a toll on both Donny and Cindy. Although they would never ask, I know that any donations would help them tremendously.

The hospital expenses are already over $1.5 Million and he has not yet had his transplant. They’re fortunate that they currently have health insurance. However, with the copays, travel expenses, and lost wages, I know they need our help.

If you have the means to help in any way, can you please help Donny with the financial burden this horrible disease is causing. He has the most positive outlook and a huge will to live. I know I can’t personally cure him. I know he will battle hard against this disease. What I know is that I can personally ask everyone for help so that we can lessen the financial burden that Donny and Cindy are going through right now.

Please donate if you can. Any donations no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated. I will continue to update everyone as Donny battles this disease and look forward to the day that I can post that he is in remission.

Thank you and may God Bless you!