In September 2020, my best friend, Nathan Hamilton, was diagnosed with Stage 4 germ cell cancer. Never heard of it?  We hadn’t either. It’s a very rare cancer, very aggressive, and extremely hard to treat.  This cancer is currently invading Nathan’s entire liver, a few lymph nodes, and several areas near his esophagus. Prior to Nathan’s diagnosis, he was a very healthy, very hardworking guy, standing  at 6’1 and weighing 220 pounds. Unfortunately, the tumors around Nathan’s esophagus prevent him from eating solid foods and he has rapidly lost approximately 80 pounds. Due to his health, numerous doctors appointments, and various tests and procedures, Nathan has been unable to continue working at the job he has worked at for 20 years. Nathan has received very aggressive chemotherapy, but last week he was told the chemo had minimal results. Today (Feb.4), we were told surgery was not an option. Despite the setbacks, Nathan will NOT stop fighting. We were told to pursue options at treatment facilities that specialize in rare cancers. These places are located in Texas and Florida. With Nathan unable to work (which also includes lack of health insurance), his income is now extremely limited. If you know Nathan, you know he is very prideful; he absolutely hates asking anyone for anything. As his best friend, I will beg for him. If you are able, please, please help us get Nathan to a specialized cancer treatment facility. Your donation will ONLY be used for travel expenses (air fare, rental cars), hotel costs, and medical treatments. Nathan is only 39. He hasn’t had the opportunity to truly live yet. I just want to somehow provide him with EVERY chance to defeat this disease and provide myself the enjoyment of aggravating him for the rest of our very long lives! 

Thank you for taking the time to read Nathan’s journey. Where there is life, there is hope. 

#TeamNathan

UPDATE!!!

After the crazy ride you read above, we now know Nathan was misdiagnosed with germ cell cancer. Those big, fancy cancer centers we went to were useless. After everything, Nathan made the decision to stay local and is now receiving treatment at Flaget Cancer Center. Flaget has been absolutely amazing!  They are affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic and after our oncologist, Dr. Martin, presented Nathan’s case to a panel of peers, they discovered Nathan’s cancer is a very rare combination of esophageal and germ cell. Nathan is now undergoing chemo and immunotherapy and after the first cycle, scans revealed shrinking in all the tumors!  

Nathan was awarded disability pay while he undergoes treatment. However, he lost his health insurance due to his disability pay being a mere $100 over what he is “allowed” to make. We now pay more out of pocket expenses and a higher deductible. With his minimal pay and me not working in order to help him travel to appointments and helping with everyday needs when he’s unable…well, it’s a struggle some days. 

We will persevere. Nathan is stronger than cancer. His team is stronger than cancer. God is stronger than cancer.

Always #TeamNathan