Help Kenny Fight Cancer for the Fourth Time

Kenneth “Kenny” Kirkland has always been a pillar of health, fitness, strength, determination, resilience and perseverance. Back in 2021 Kenny received a diagnosis that would not only challenge each one of those qualities but would shake the ground beneath him and change his life forever. In the summer of 2021, after experiencing concerning symptoms on the right side of his neck, Kenny was diagnosed with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He quickly began treatment that consisted of chemotherapy 1X weekly, and radiation every day for a total of six weeks.

After Kenny completed treatment, a follow up pet scan showed that treatment was successful, and he was cancer free. Kenny was overwhelmed with a sense of relief, until 1 ½ years later when a follow up scan revealed his worst fear, the cancer had returned. This time Kenny went thru a neck dissection during which a tumor was removed along with 18 lymph nodes. In March 2023, all CT scans showed that Kenny was again cancer free, and he now began working on getting his life back to where he was pre diagnosis.

While building his life back, Kenny noticed a lump growing on the left side of his neck, along with some tenderness. He quickly scheduled an appointment for diagnostic tests and in May of 2024, he was informed that the cancer had returned. This time they removed two cancerous lymph nodes, along with 30 more. Again, he received the all clear until 2 ½

months later when a pet scan revealed the cancer had spread to Kenny's lungs. A CT scan revealed that there are four nodules in his right lung, and one in his left, the largest being one centimeter.

After speaking to his doctors, they have decided that Kenny's best chance at beating this disease is by attacking it with not only very intense chemotherapy, but they will also be using the experimental drug GEN1042. Recent studies have shown the combination to be quite successful in defeating this type of cancer. Kenny recently had an appointment to discuss his treatment plan, and have his port installed. Treatment begins on November 15th.

While this recent diagnosis is daunting, Kenny is channeling the strength and resilience that he is so well known for, by remaining optimistic and trusting in his oncology team. Kenny is hopeful that he will be able to maintain his current employment thru the duration of these treatments, while at the same time knowing that he needs to be realistic. The treatments he will be receiving will be more intense than the first time, and he anticipates the need to take time off work to recuperate after treatments.

Without yet knowing how these treatments will affect Kenny physically, he needs to be prepared for any circumstances that may arise. Most importantly, the financial burden of being off work to recover and help heal his body. Finances should not be of worry during this sensitive time, Kenny's focus should be receiving his treatments, and fighting this disease for the third time with the least amount of stress possible.

Please join us in our campaign to help raise funds to ease the financial burden that Kenny will be facing during the upcoming months of treatment. All funding donated will be used by him to offset the costs from loss of income, ensure bills are covered during this time and allow Kenny to focus on his healing journey. We will provide updates as they come. Thank you for your support!