Helping my Dad fight Cancer.
Donation protected
My Dad, who many of you know as Andrew Belfield, has been an active member in not only our community, but our hearts for years. We moved to Flower Mound Texas when I was 4 years old, and I've grown up here practically my entire life. My dad came to America from the UK around 96', and has been an American at heart ever since. Throughout my childhood he's coached multiple of my soccer teams, majority including local children as well, many whom I've grown up with and have continued lifelong friendships. He's been to all of my choir performances, and actively participated in any and all activities I needed or wanted. Including, but not limited to, Father Daughter dances; one he was even crowned Hottest Dancing Dad... (how embarrassing), Student council assignments, award ceremonies, holidays, EVERY single soccer game, practice, and tryout, and especially School projects; even when I'd waited until the day before it was due to tell him I hadn't started. I recall one project in 4th grade where he stayed up all night building this paper machete mountain with hand painted figurines of mountain lions that I'd had due the next day for Geography. My dad's always been a hard worker, a loyal friend, a grade A coach, a #1 supporter, and an amazing father.
Earlier this year, around June, my dad was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a Skin Cancer. We had been under the impression we'd caught it early. Then came the news a short while later that the tumor pressing against his jugular had spread downward throughout his Lymphatic System. New tumors had sprouted in his chest cavity, and 2 more in front of and behind his abdomen. Based on the spreading, the doctors diagnosed him stage 4. Surgery was not in the cards, due to the placement of tumors, and the disfiguration the surgeries would inflict. So treatment has been our only option.
The last 6 months have been anything but easy, for all of us, especially for him. In the midst of a divorce, he's had many treatments, scans, and surgeries. He began with having 8 teeth extracted so we didn't have to worry about infection during treatment. We're hoping to be able to do dental reconstructive surgery once we reach our end goal of remission. He's had multiple PET scans, and blood work to monitor the tumors. We started treatment with both chemo and radiation, but once the stage 4 diagnosis came to fruition, we stopped radiation and continued forward with 2 different types of extremely aggressive chemo. Inevitably, my dad had to stop working his job that he loved, and move out of his home due to a lack of income. We've been lucky enough to have some help due to insurance, but come January we're looking at more treatment, and more out of pocket expenses. Even with insurances help, we've done everything, and have exhausted all resources financially.
I've seen a lot of GoFundMe's over the years. Many for people that I've known and loved. I've always admired our community's way of being able to help each other in times of need. I wouldn't be coming here if I wasn't in need of serious help. I'm my dad's power of attorney, his only child, and in the States, I'm all he has. So please, help me help my Dad fight Cancer.
Earlier this year, around June, my dad was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a Skin Cancer. We had been under the impression we'd caught it early. Then came the news a short while later that the tumor pressing against his jugular had spread downward throughout his Lymphatic System. New tumors had sprouted in his chest cavity, and 2 more in front of and behind his abdomen. Based on the spreading, the doctors diagnosed him stage 4. Surgery was not in the cards, due to the placement of tumors, and the disfiguration the surgeries would inflict. So treatment has been our only option.
The last 6 months have been anything but easy, for all of us, especially for him. In the midst of a divorce, he's had many treatments, scans, and surgeries. He began with having 8 teeth extracted so we didn't have to worry about infection during treatment. We're hoping to be able to do dental reconstructive surgery once we reach our end goal of remission. He's had multiple PET scans, and blood work to monitor the tumors. We started treatment with both chemo and radiation, but once the stage 4 diagnosis came to fruition, we stopped radiation and continued forward with 2 different types of extremely aggressive chemo. Inevitably, my dad had to stop working his job that he loved, and move out of his home due to a lack of income. We've been lucky enough to have some help due to insurance, but come January we're looking at more treatment, and more out of pocket expenses. Even with insurances help, we've done everything, and have exhausted all resources financially.
I've seen a lot of GoFundMe's over the years. Many for people that I've known and loved. I've always admired our community's way of being able to help each other in times of need. I wouldn't be coming here if I wasn't in need of serious help. I'm my dad's power of attorney, his only child, and in the States, I'm all he has. So please, help me help my Dad fight Cancer.
Organizer
Amanda Belfield
Organizer
Flower Mound, TX