Kevin Bammel's Sarcoma Fund

Life is like a velvety red-petaled rose that demonstrates we are blessed in many ways. One of my blessings has been the life of my son, Kevin. He has such a kind and giving spirit that brings a special blessing to all that know him. He often puts others’ feelings and needs above his own. But, even in the midst of beauty, we often face thorns of life. One massive thorn in Kevin’s life has been the diagnosis of Ewing’s small cell sarcoma a year ago in September. It has been a rough road, yet Kevin’s spirit remained positive, and he brought a smile to everyone around him.. Because of the nature of the disease, the chemo treatment was extremely intense. Kevin endured six rounds. After finishing chemo, he completed 25 treatments of radiation last Spring. The doctors gave him a brief respite before thoracic surgery to remove the tumor, part of his rib cage, and a small section of his right lung where the tumor had adhered. We all were optimistic after surgery and hopeful that no further treatments would be needed. The doctors determined Kevin would need at least eight, if not more, rounds of chemo. The blessing in this new series of rounds was that after two rounds, one of the drugs could be taken orally which would, hopefully, allow Kevin to return to work which it has. This has been another blessing in the road to recovery. But, again with every blessing, another thorn appears. The cost of the drug is extremely expensive. He takes the pills for five days, two pills per day each round. The cost for the pills alone is $1500-$1600 for each round. As Kevin has returned to work, in spite of days where he feels sick and exhausted, he earns enough to make payments to the hospital (a required amount) and pay for some medications. When he doesn’t have the funding, he can’t get his medicines/drugs as prescribed for his treatments. Then, one has to consider living expenses as well. The diagnosis of cancer so encompasses one’s life, that the realization of everyday living doesn’t hit until one is in the midst of the struggle. There are few people in our world today who have not been affected by cancer in some way. Those who have realize the enormity of the expenses involved for treatment and the struggle to pay bills. I know each individual has their own struggles, but I would humbly ask that if you feel led to give a little something to Kevin to help in this struggle so his rose can continue to demonstrate beauty in our world, we would be forever grateful.