Heath Shelton - Faith Fighting Cancer
THE TRUTH
I've never been a fan of online fundraising. Or, really, ANY fundraising.
There, I said it.
However, I understand its necessity and have supported several over the years. I NEVER thought I'd organize one for my family. It is a hard thing to decide to do. It is humbling. It requires swallowing your pride. It took a glaring-in-the-mirror pep talk. But here I am.
THE REASON
Heath, my husband of 22 yrs, has been diagnosed with melanoma. Yes, it's ONLY skin cancer (please, if you don't want a hysterical crazy-lady on your hands, don't say that to my face). It's a rapidly spreading, nasty cancer that can easily grow. Then easily infects other areas. Then can become other nasty cancers. His is very deep, very aggressive and located on his face.
THE DOCTORS
At this point, Heath has seen a dermatologist, general surgeon and plastic surgeon. A general surgery is scheduled for Dec 4 to remove a large section of tissue. Prior to surgery, a dye will be inserted into his lymph nodes in his neck to determine if the cancer has already spread to that area. The likelihood of this is estimated very high from the biopsy that has already been done. If there are infected lymph nodes, they will also be removed during surgery.
Best-case scenario: No infected lymph nodes. Only remove facial
tissue that is infected. Then follow with plastic surgery and recovery.
A predicable course of future follow up to remain cancer-free!
Scary-case scenario: Cancer has entered the lymphatic system.
Still follow with the plastic surgeon to repair his face but will also
require a follow up with an oncologist and likely radiation and/or
chemo treatments. Lots of unknown factors!
I want to be very clear on a few points.
1) The plastic surgery is NOT optional. It is REQUIRED by the general surgeon. It is NOT cosmetic. It's necessary to maintain the ability to use his mouth and prevent drooping of his eye (see picture in the first comment posted).
2) We do not know what the future holds. We only have the information we have been given and it can all change at any point.
THE WHY
Most of you likely know, we are self-employeed. Heath has had a photography studio for over 20 years. His passion. His dream. The only thing he has ever wanted to do. And he's good at it. REALLY good. He loves capturing the most beautiful moments of people's lives so they can be cherished forever. However, as a result, he does not have health insurance. That usually isn't an issue because he's basically a healthy guy. Unfortunately, it IS an issue now. This is already expensive and we are only at the beginning. 
THE MONEY
We want to be honest & upfront with how your money will be used if you decide to help us out.
A payment of $1,500 is required prior to the general surgery. That means, IMMEDIATELY. The remainder is put on a payment plan. There will be another fee for the pastic surgery which should follow approximately 5 days after the first. Then for the next year there are required follow up office visits with all three doctors mentioned. Currently, we estimate the medical expenses at an initial $10,000 for the BEST CASE SCENARIO.
Here's a current breakdown:
$215 Initial dermatologist consult & biopsy
$125 Initial surgeon consult
$110 Initial plastic surgeon consult
$2700 General surgery estimated charges
$3000 Plastic surgery estimated charges
$700 Tissue testing
$350 Follow up visits for 1 year
$200 Travel expenses
$2400 Living allowance for 1 month from loss of ability to work
$10,000 Current Need
We recognize there are likely things we have overlooked or underestimated. This is new unfamiliar territory for us. Obviously, there will be a much greater need if we are faced with a different scenario. We have launched this GoFundMe with a $20,000 goal with that in mind.
THE FAITH
It's hard to ask for help. It's uncomfortable to feel vulnerable.
If you know us at all, then you know WE LOVE JESUS.
Sometimes being faithful is uncomfortable too. Many times it was in hard times that the people of the Bible asked for Jesus' help. However, it was never, not once, hard for Jesus to extend His love, healing and deliverance.
We KNOW our God is bigger than cancer.
Mightier than the unknown.
Constant in His loving peace.
The word 'promises' appears 24 times in the NIV Bible and SIX of those guarantee that His promises are true and never fail. 
THE PRAYER
The greatest gift of friendship is prayer. Please pray for:
• This journey Heath has begun
• Reassurance for our three amazing children and their many questions
• Provision for all of our needs
• Total, complete and unquestionable healing
We covet your prayers and if you feel lead, please donate financially also.
We sincerely appreciate your help!
Thank you for taking the time to read our story.
Much love to each of you!
