Helping our friend Dan Ferbal
Donation protected
Cancer does not discriminate. It is ruthless. It can destroy lives. It can devastate-financially, emotionally, spiritually.
We say-not this time! Not this man.
Dan has become a warrior. His friends and family are fighters. It is our intention to support Dan as best we can-whether it is a financial contribution, help with a ride to chemo, assist him with a chore at home, or offer up a nightly prayer… Dan has been blessed to have received invaluable help and support from many friends in his community-he is extremely grateful for all the help he has already received.
But we need to cast a wider net…
We have decided to start this gofundme campaign out of necessity. As we mentioned above, cancer can wipe a person out financially. Insurance does not cover all the medical costs associated with treatment.
Dan’s cancer is rare and aggressive, and thus, he is attacking it with western medicine, holistic treatments, and a specialized alkaline diet.
With the amazing help from Steve, his sister Maddie and his sister-in-law Susan, along with many wonderful friends, Dan is taking on this disease.
As a representative for his friends, I can say that we encourage and support Dan and his journey to survive this illness. We do not want this disease to ruin him financially, so we are asking for help.
Recently, Dan and Maddie, got together to put out a call to the universe for help. Here are some words from Maddie and some additional information from Lee…
Dan is an amazing man who is loved and respected by many including his family, friends, colleagues and staff. Prior to his diagnosis, Dan was living a vibrant life working in a career he loves, serving the San Diego community through work and charity, and contributing as a member of the Board of Directors of The Rob Benzon Foundation, a local San Diego nonprofit.
Late last year, the doctors discovered a tumor in his lower abdomen and he was diagnosed with a very rare cancer called a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor. Many specialists conferred, as they were not quite sure how to successfully treat this rare cancer.
The initial plan was to operate and remove the tumor. Unfortunately, the cancer metastasized and spread to his lungs. With that, the cancer is now considered stage four and surgery is no longer an option.
Dan endured ten rounds of radiation on the original tumor which successfully reduced the tumor size from 9 to 6 cm. He then began chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he had a toxic reaction to the first medication, which made him very weak and ill and they needed to stop treatment.
The second chemo protocol was deemed ineffective, as the cancer continued to spread in his lungs and two new tumors appeared along his spine. After a third chemo protocol which lasted a month of weekly doses, the doctors decided to stop the chemo in favor of doing more radiation on the new tumors.
As of early June, Dan is about to start three rounds of radiation for the new tumors along his spine. After which he will start chemotherapy again. The tumors are pressing on his nerves and have created a lot of pain for Dan. But Dan is fighting this and trying to maintain his positive outlook.
The western medical team is doing its best, with chemo and radiation. However, his oncologist is saying all these treatments are palliative as there is no known cure for this type of cancer.
What does it mean to be palliative?
Definition. Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
During this courageous fight, Dan has incorporated various other healing modalities to support him through this journey including a strict plant-based diet, acupuncture, healing touch, improved nutrition, sound therapy and other energetic and holistic treatments.
In addition to his current treatment protocol, Steve, Maddie, Susan and many faithful friends are researching other treatment options.
We are happy to report that Dan has been accepted into a clinical trial that holds promise. Unfortunately, this clinical trial will only pay for 20% of the costs. Presently, because this is an out-of-network clinical trial, Dan’s insurance has not made any commitment to cover the additional cost of the trial.
Additionally, we are hoping and praying that we can send him to The Hope 4 Cancer Treatment Center to help put his body back into a state of balance, harmony and healing. This is something that can be done in conjunction with his other treatments to keep him strong and in his best fighting shape. This is on our wish list for him and is an out of pocket expense we hope to raise money for on behalf of Dan.
Many people ask how Dan is doing. He has his highs and lows, as you would expect. His energy level ranges from precariously low energy on the bad days, to close to his normal self on the good days.
We remain hopeful, confident and optimistic that the additional holistic treatments, coupled with the alkaline and sugar free diet will eventually send this cancer packing!
Cancer feeds on sugar, so Dan has sadly given up anything with sugar in order to starve the tumors so they will not grow!
Steve is doing his best to remain being positive and make Dan laugh at least a few times a day.
We try to get him out of the house, and he has been able to come out to Lee’s house in the desert a few times this year, as well as venture to Disneyland a couple of times. Battling this disease is a full time job, so we are happy to offer some distraction and comfort for him while he is deep in the battlefield…
Dan is fighting with his signature style. He is doing it with grace and courage, quietly riding out painful episodes, no matter how difficult. With the help of his community, he is exerting the will and strength to survive and beat this disease. His determination is admirable!
For this gofundme, please know any amount will help, so please give what you are able. The universe gave us Dan; this lovely, caring, amazing man. We want to keep him around for years to come.
LET’S FIGHT THIS TOGETHER!!!
Thank you for reading this and sending positive vibes and support to our friend, Dan Ferbal!
LOVE AND GOOD HEALTH!
Lee Runnels
On behalf of Steve Hawley and the amazing village of friends and family!
https://hope4cancer.com/
http://dietsolutionforyou.org/the-plant-paradox-list-of-acceptable-foods/
We say-not this time! Not this man.
Dan has become a warrior. His friends and family are fighters. It is our intention to support Dan as best we can-whether it is a financial contribution, help with a ride to chemo, assist him with a chore at home, or offer up a nightly prayer… Dan has been blessed to have received invaluable help and support from many friends in his community-he is extremely grateful for all the help he has already received.
But we need to cast a wider net…
We have decided to start this gofundme campaign out of necessity. As we mentioned above, cancer can wipe a person out financially. Insurance does not cover all the medical costs associated with treatment.
Dan’s cancer is rare and aggressive, and thus, he is attacking it with western medicine, holistic treatments, and a specialized alkaline diet.
With the amazing help from Steve, his sister Maddie and his sister-in-law Susan, along with many wonderful friends, Dan is taking on this disease.
As a representative for his friends, I can say that we encourage and support Dan and his journey to survive this illness. We do not want this disease to ruin him financially, so we are asking for help.
Recently, Dan and Maddie, got together to put out a call to the universe for help. Here are some words from Maddie and some additional information from Lee…
Dan is an amazing man who is loved and respected by many including his family, friends, colleagues and staff. Prior to his diagnosis, Dan was living a vibrant life working in a career he loves, serving the San Diego community through work and charity, and contributing as a member of the Board of Directors of The Rob Benzon Foundation, a local San Diego nonprofit.
Late last year, the doctors discovered a tumor in his lower abdomen and he was diagnosed with a very rare cancer called a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor. Many specialists conferred, as they were not quite sure how to successfully treat this rare cancer.
The initial plan was to operate and remove the tumor. Unfortunately, the cancer metastasized and spread to his lungs. With that, the cancer is now considered stage four and surgery is no longer an option.
Dan endured ten rounds of radiation on the original tumor which successfully reduced the tumor size from 9 to 6 cm. He then began chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he had a toxic reaction to the first medication, which made him very weak and ill and they needed to stop treatment.
The second chemo protocol was deemed ineffective, as the cancer continued to spread in his lungs and two new tumors appeared along his spine. After a third chemo protocol which lasted a month of weekly doses, the doctors decided to stop the chemo in favor of doing more radiation on the new tumors.
As of early June, Dan is about to start three rounds of radiation for the new tumors along his spine. After which he will start chemotherapy again. The tumors are pressing on his nerves and have created a lot of pain for Dan. But Dan is fighting this and trying to maintain his positive outlook.
The western medical team is doing its best, with chemo and radiation. However, his oncologist is saying all these treatments are palliative as there is no known cure for this type of cancer.
What does it mean to be palliative?
Definition. Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
During this courageous fight, Dan has incorporated various other healing modalities to support him through this journey including a strict plant-based diet, acupuncture, healing touch, improved nutrition, sound therapy and other energetic and holistic treatments.
In addition to his current treatment protocol, Steve, Maddie, Susan and many faithful friends are researching other treatment options.
We are happy to report that Dan has been accepted into a clinical trial that holds promise. Unfortunately, this clinical trial will only pay for 20% of the costs. Presently, because this is an out-of-network clinical trial, Dan’s insurance has not made any commitment to cover the additional cost of the trial.
Additionally, we are hoping and praying that we can send him to The Hope 4 Cancer Treatment Center to help put his body back into a state of balance, harmony and healing. This is something that can be done in conjunction with his other treatments to keep him strong and in his best fighting shape. This is on our wish list for him and is an out of pocket expense we hope to raise money for on behalf of Dan.
Many people ask how Dan is doing. He has his highs and lows, as you would expect. His energy level ranges from precariously low energy on the bad days, to close to his normal self on the good days.
We remain hopeful, confident and optimistic that the additional holistic treatments, coupled with the alkaline and sugar free diet will eventually send this cancer packing!
Cancer feeds on sugar, so Dan has sadly given up anything with sugar in order to starve the tumors so they will not grow!
Steve is doing his best to remain being positive and make Dan laugh at least a few times a day.
We try to get him out of the house, and he has been able to come out to Lee’s house in the desert a few times this year, as well as venture to Disneyland a couple of times. Battling this disease is a full time job, so we are happy to offer some distraction and comfort for him while he is deep in the battlefield…
Dan is fighting with his signature style. He is doing it with grace and courage, quietly riding out painful episodes, no matter how difficult. With the help of his community, he is exerting the will and strength to survive and beat this disease. His determination is admirable!
For this gofundme, please know any amount will help, so please give what you are able. The universe gave us Dan; this lovely, caring, amazing man. We want to keep him around for years to come.
LET’S FIGHT THIS TOGETHER!!!
Thank you for reading this and sending positive vibes and support to our friend, Dan Ferbal!
LOVE AND GOOD HEALTH!
Lee Runnels
On behalf of Steve Hawley and the amazing village of friends and family!
https://hope4cancer.com/
http://dietsolutionforyou.org/the-plant-paradox-list-of-acceptable-foods/
Organizer and beneficiary
Lee Rutter Runnels
Organizer
San Diego, CA
Daniel J Ferbal
Beneficiary
