Medical Fund for Shayne Knowles

In late December, Shayne Knowles began to experience flu-like symptoms. His dedication to his business and clients, however, took precedence. As an active, hardworking individual all his life, Shayne never allowed the common flu, or even a broken hand to interfere with his work schedule. He continued to push through pain to ensure he provided the best service to his clients. Life became unbearably difficult and we soon realized that all was not well. He grew increasingly weak, unable to stand up for long periods of time without losing his balance and had to resort to his bed due to debilitating symptoms including excruciating headaches. By January 22nd, the symptoms would not relent; they only worsened. Dad was equally concerned by this time for his father, Cyril Knowles who had also fallen ill. The desire to get well to assist with our grandfather prompted Dad to seek help with Mom urging him to finally see a doctor. Once blood work was done, he was urged immediately go to the emergency room, for he needed to see a hematologist . Severe anemia indicated a serious problem in the blood. After multiple tests and blood work, we were told that he would need a significant amount of blood transfusions to raise his blood levels to a stable level. We are so grateful to family and friends who showed support immediately by donating blood in Dad's name. With multiple transfusions, his blood levels remained abnormal and would not improve independent of transfusions. After multiple scans and X-rays an enlarged spleen indicated a form of Leukemia. In order to confirm diagnosis, a bone marrow biopsy was needed but a hematologist was not on the island of New Providence , so immediate airlift to USA was recommended. On January 25th, even though Dad’s insurance did not cover his transport, he was admitted to Holy Cross Hospital. After many tests, the doctor confirmed the suspicion of Acute Myeloid leukemia. Dad was placed in isolation and was told that he would require a most intense form of chemotherapy right away. At the time, Dad was told he would require at least 7 rounds of this type of treatment. After the insurance gave approval, the treatment began on February 3rd each at a cost of $40,000. During this already very difficult time, our Grandfather had sadly passed away on February 9th . Dad's treatment had separated him from his father physically, both before and after his death. Dad, of course is devastated that he was unable to be by his father’s side and to support his family. We have convinced him, though, to continue to fight for his life, and we need your help to help Dad to fight this disease . Our Mom has been by his side, unable to work, to provide 24 hr. care. Visitors were limited to his immediate family and wore masks and coats as his low immune system put him at high risk of infection. After 2 weeks of chemotherapy, blood test results showed improvement but still fluctuating. After 5 weeks in the hospital, we praise God for no detection of cancer in his bone marrow! We are by no means out of the woods. His Oncologist has advised that continued chemotherapy only buys time before the bone marrow transplant. Dad’s chances of complete remission are greater if he has a successful transplant. While his blood numbers have become stable, there is no guarantee that his bone marrow will not reproduce cancer cells. Here's where we need your help.. Dad has a limited insurance coverage plan, which is nearly at the lifetime maximum for treatment received thus far. Holy Cross Hospital does not perform bone marrow transplants, so a hospital is needed that would work with the insurance balance. As it stands now, he is being released from Holy Cross because his blood numbers have been stabilized. His doctor has advised us to act quickly as he cannot go without treatment longer than a month. Our next option is for our Mom to take him to Orlando to live with family while we attempt to get him into a reputable hospital. We are told the cost of further treatment will amount to about $1.2 million dollars, which is why we are appealing for help. We are hoping to identify a hospital that would accept a cash deposit due to the insurance deficiency so that Dad can continue treatment. Dad needs your help! We are grateful to all for any amount as The Lord leads. Through this all, we give Him praise and honor for what He has done, and we know that He will see us through. Thank you all so very much, and may God bless you and multiply your love gift 100 fold.