Paul "Joey" Byrne's battle with Cancer

Hi, my name is Traci Nelson and I am 56 years old. My cousin Paul "Joey" Byrne was born just a few months before me. I guess that is why it hits me so hard to find out that he was diagnosed with mouth cancer. It started with a lump under his tongue. On March 2 he will have extensive surgery in which they will remove the tumor from under his tongue, as well as some teeth, gums and part of his jaw bone. They will have to reconstruct part of his gums (a skin graft from his arm) and then take out two lymph nodes. And that may be just the beginning. Radiation may be required afterward. One step at a time.

It breaks my heart that he is going through all of this. What is worse, is that because of his job as a contractor in the construction business, he will need to be off work for an extended period, and his insurance is minimal. Help with medical bills and daily living expenses will be crucial.

I tend to take my health for granted but this is a devastating reminder that it can all change on a dime. For now, I want to do all I can to support Joey and his family, emotionally and financially, and I hope you will consider a donation as well. Joey is humble and sincere, and I know he will be forever grateful.