Help Dan Williams Speak Again

Howdy. Dan Williams here.

My head and neck cancer has thankfully shown no signs of returning, but I have continued to be hit pretty hard by the side effects of the radiation treatment. Three years ago, I had jaw replacement to shore up some bone that the radiation had eroded, and I really haven't been right for too long since then.

This year, I was hit with aspirational pneumonia, a condition that made it unsafe to swallow any liquids. I recently had a laryngectomy to fix this. The surgery was successful, but it cost me my voice box - I can no longer speak out loud.

I am asking for help for the first time because there are a number of devices that might help with my speech - all of which are out of my price range, and not covered by insurance. I'm also seeking a few months breathing room (so to speak) to keep on top of my bills as I continue to learn to breathe through my neck. (It is proving to be a slower recovery time than I anticipated - I had hoped to be working at least part-time by now, but it's out of the question until at least next spring...)

As always, many thanks to the many of you who have offered kindness and support - it has really kept me going. I am not a formally religious person, but do always offer up a nightly prayer of thanks. (I do know a hell of a lot of REALLY good people - I must have done something right

... xo)

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