Lance Bolay's Battle Fund!
Donation protected
In the fall of 2018, our friend Lance began to have strange symptoms: nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches. Multiple physicians searched for the cause, and he underwent treatment for various possible sources of the problems, all without result.
In July 2019, following an MRI, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the back part of his brain, blocking the 4th ventricle and lodged between the brain stem and cerebellum. He underwent a difficult but successful surgery, and the tumor was removed. He is still recovering from side effects of the surgery, including vision and balance issues, head and neck mobility issues, and a leak of cerebrospinal fluid into the tissues of his neck.
The tumor was identified as a Stage 2 ependymoma, which is extremely rare and is also cancerous. It can come back, and doctors have recommended a very specific kind of radiation, called proton therapy, to help ensure the tumor does not return. Proton therapy is a more accurate way to administer radiation, and accuracy is of critical importance due to the location of the tumor. There are only two places in Texas with the equipment to administer this treatment: Irving and Houston.
Lance does have insurance, but as we know, even when insurance pays part of the expenses, it can leave lots of unpaid costs in deductibles, copays and uncovered expenses. The deductible on his policy is $10,000, so that is the first part of what we want to cover. Already, additional medical bills are rolling in, and will be for the foreseeable future. The current round of radiation will last 5- 6 weeks, and in addition to owing whatever part insurance does not cover, he will not receive income during that time. It is not yet known how quickly he will be able to return to work after the radiation treatment; that will depend on the effects of the treatment. Because they will be working so close to his brain stem, the side effects can include difficulties with breathing, sleeping, and eating.
Lance and his wife, Daphne, are beloved members of their community. Daphne is a teacher and is working, parenting their 3 children, finishing graduate school, and attending to the demands of Lance's medical care.
Amazingly, Lance has continued his work as a Spiritual Director and Director of Spiritual Integration at Samaritan Counseling Center of East Texas as much as possible, and remains hopeful that this proton treatment will enable him to fully resume his life and work and activities. His generous optimism is noticed by all who spend time with him. He is a brilliant, kind and gentle leader in his community, and so many people have been positively affected by his work and presence in their lives.
This is our chance to give back. We hope to raise funds to cover medical costs and to bridge the gap in income for this family. The stress of large medical bills and decreased income is one difficulty we can alleviate, and one way we can help Lance in his battle against cancer.
In July 2019, following an MRI, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the back part of his brain, blocking the 4th ventricle and lodged between the brain stem and cerebellum. He underwent a difficult but successful surgery, and the tumor was removed. He is still recovering from side effects of the surgery, including vision and balance issues, head and neck mobility issues, and a leak of cerebrospinal fluid into the tissues of his neck.
The tumor was identified as a Stage 2 ependymoma, which is extremely rare and is also cancerous. It can come back, and doctors have recommended a very specific kind of radiation, called proton therapy, to help ensure the tumor does not return. Proton therapy is a more accurate way to administer radiation, and accuracy is of critical importance due to the location of the tumor. There are only two places in Texas with the equipment to administer this treatment: Irving and Houston.
Lance does have insurance, but as we know, even when insurance pays part of the expenses, it can leave lots of unpaid costs in deductibles, copays and uncovered expenses. The deductible on his policy is $10,000, so that is the first part of what we want to cover. Already, additional medical bills are rolling in, and will be for the foreseeable future. The current round of radiation will last 5- 6 weeks, and in addition to owing whatever part insurance does not cover, he will not receive income during that time. It is not yet known how quickly he will be able to return to work after the radiation treatment; that will depend on the effects of the treatment. Because they will be working so close to his brain stem, the side effects can include difficulties with breathing, sleeping, and eating.
Lance and his wife, Daphne, are beloved members of their community. Daphne is a teacher and is working, parenting their 3 children, finishing graduate school, and attending to the demands of Lance's medical care.
Amazingly, Lance has continued his work as a Spiritual Director and Director of Spiritual Integration at Samaritan Counseling Center of East Texas as much as possible, and remains hopeful that this proton treatment will enable him to fully resume his life and work and activities. His generous optimism is noticed by all who spend time with him. He is a brilliant, kind and gentle leader in his community, and so many people have been positively affected by his work and presence in their lives.
This is our chance to give back. We hope to raise funds to cover medical costs and to bridge the gap in income for this family. The stress of large medical bills and decreased income is one difficulty we can alleviate, and one way we can help Lance in his battle against cancer.
Fundraising team: Team Lance! (2)
Diana Walla
Organizer
Austin, TX
Daphne Bolay
Beneficiary
Dana Grubb
Team member
