Everyone Loves RAYMOND MOLINA not cancer!

Welcome everyone!

My name is Margie Overly Muse. I'm the sister-in-law of Raymond Molina Jr. and sister of Heather Molina or known as Marteve by Ellie (13), Lylah (6) and Abby (4), their 3 girls. With their permission, let's run and take this fundraiser as far as it will meet their incredible needs to come.

On December 23, 2022, Heather rushed Ray to the hospital as his right lower gum ruptured. From there, their dentist referred them to an Oral Surgeon who biopsied the growth that remained on Ray's gum after two rounds of anitbiotics were prescribed following the ER visit. On Thursday, February 2, 2023, Ray and Heather went to the Oral Suregon to review the results of the biopsy. At that moment, within that appointment, they're world collapsed as they heard the words, "you have oral cancer". To be exact, Ray has Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Right Mandible (right jaw). The very raw thoughts of, "Am I going to die?" to "Am I going to lose the love of my life?" hit full force.

From that moment of the news that no one wants to hear, The Molinas began crying out to God of how to step, navigate and what comes next.

After being referred to an ENT and undergoing a contrast CT, Ray went for surgery on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Unfortunately, the ENT didn't prepare well enough for this surgery or call in the needed reconstruction team necessary for this procedure resulting in a failed attempt at surgical removal. During surgery, the lymph node that glowed on the CT was removed and Heather was immediately told that it was benign but at the follow-up appointment on March 31, the ENT informed them both that the lymph node contained cancer but that it was encapsulated. This appointment caused major confusion for Ray and Heather as well as a feeling that this surgeon had lost their confidence. She ordered a PET scan that same follow-up visit, reassuring Ray he would hear from her the following Monday, April 3 with the results. As of today, no call and thus a significant break down in communication.

Many have encouraged them to get a second opinion. On April 6, 2023, Heather reached out to Memorial Sloan Ketterling in NYC and within moments, like 8:30am, Ray has an appointment for Monday, April 24, 2023. Not only an appointment, but all medical records requested for the team down there ready to roll as soon as they walk in the door. Dana Farbor of Boston has also been called.

Ray and Heather's medical deductible first started at $6,000 before insurance kicks in. They have asked for financial assistance from the hospital.

What Ray is facing is removal of the affected area (tumor as well as partial mandebelectomy). Following a mandebelectomy, he will spend approximately a week in the ICU unit followed by another 1-2 weeks receiving hospital care due to the amount of extensive care that follows a tracheotomy, surgical grafting, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Once home, recovery time varies but typically is 3 months with anticipated appointments for radiation. Continuous trips from Albany to NYC.

Ray is the main breadwinner, as many will step in to keep Heather's home daycare going, the building medical and financial costs have just begun. Written on they're chalkboard is 'We are in it for God to win it!'

Whatever donation you are able to give would be more than greatly appreciated. Surgeries, daily stays, parking in NYC, tolls, meds, electric, mortgage, laundry soap, gas, childcare coverages, oil changes, hotels, travel and whatever is ahead. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma is taking them into a new normal.

Just know at this moment their heads are in the game to win this! That God will get the GLORY for this! Psalm 30:2 "O Lord, my God, I cried out to You for help and You healed me."

Can you hear Ray cheer when he rings that bell and the cancer is NO MORE?!!!!