My name is Stacie Taylor and I am starting this GoFundMe account for my 1st cousin Kenneth “Craig” Davis.

Craig was recently diagnosed with SMARCA4 (BRG1), which is an extremely rare, aggressive subtype of non-small cell lung cancer characterized by a deficiency in the SMARCA4 protein, which is involved in DNA repair. This type of tumor is highly malignant, prone to early metastases, and has a poor prognosis due to the limited effectiveness and resistance to standard therapies. Diagnosis requires identifying the loss of the SMARCA4 protein, and while treatment options are still being researched, immunotherapy shows potential.

Until recently, Craig has always been healthy & physically active, so he hadn't needed to see a doctor for anything in 20 years. Then, about 8 to 10 weeks ago, he began to have pain in his knees and other joints. He initially thought he might have acquired Lyme Disease, and after experiencing about a 30-pound unexplained weight loss, he finally went to see a doctor. He was negative for Lyme Disease, but some of his other blood test results were abnormal, including an elevated platelet count, which continued to climb higher and higher every week. This led to a trip to the E.R., where a CT scan was performed that revealed a large mass in his right lung that extends into all three lobes. A biopsy of the lung was performed, which determined that he did indeed have cancer. Because of the rarity of the cancer and the fact that his cancer also has a rare gene mutation involved, the only place that is equipped to treat him is at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Although surgery is an option, they would like to shrink the tumor some before proceeding. In the past, this type of cancer has not responded well to chemo alone, so they are going to try a combination of chemo and immunotherapy together in an attempt to shrink the tumor to just the middle and lower lobes of the lung, making it easier to perform a lobectomy. The surgeon is reluctant to remove the entire lung due to the high rate of recurrence, and in the future, he would need as much lung capacity as possible in order to be strong enough to undergo any further treatment. He started his first round of treatment on Thursday, September 25th. He will be making multiple trips back and forth to Atlanta throughout the treatment process. The traveling costs, as well as other expenses, will add up quickly, so any donations would be greatly appreciated. Also, prayers would be appreciated, and if you have a church that you could add him to your prayer list, we would also be thankful for that.

Craig is one of the most easy-going, laid-back men you will ever meet. Although he has no children of his own, he has been a father to two precious boys for the past 10 years. He is an avid hunter and outdoorsman and loves spending time with his boys, teaching them to hunt deer and turkey. He is hoping to be well enough to be able to help his youngest bag his first buck this coming hunting season.

Having lost my husband in 2023 to stage IV metastatic melanoma, I know firsthand how quickly things can change and the beast that is cancer can take over a person's body before you even realize what's happening. Every day counts in the fight against cancer. Craig was my husband's best friend and he was there for us throughout our journey, and he has been my rock in the aftermath of losing our battle with cancer. It's difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that this is all happening again and this time to him. Now it's my turn to be his rock and his biggest, loudest cheerleader.

Craig is in for the fight of his life and needs all the prayers and positive vibes he can get. It took a lot of convincing for him to agree to allow me to create this GoFundMe, as he is proud and didn't want to feel like he was begging for money from anyone. I explained to him that this just creates an avenue for people to help and people always want to help in some way or another, and whether he wants to admit it or ask for it, he is going to need help with the mounting medical expenses and travel costs. So, if you feel it in your heart to help, any amount donated would mean more to him and his family than you could ever know, and we would be forever grateful. If you would like to send a card or a note of good cheer to let Craig know that you are thinking of him, please mail those to:

815 Moody Rd.

Buena Vista, GA 31803