Do it for Dan!

Let me tell you about our friend Dan and why we are asking for your help as he finds himself in the fight of his life.  Dan Crines has a very rare form of cancer called Sezary Syndrome, which is a form of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. This cancer has been wreaking havoc on his body for several years, and unfortunately his treatments are becoming ineffective. His best option for what is being called by his medical team @ The Abrams Cancer Center (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) a long term durable remission is an Allogeneic Stem Cell transplant.  This is considered by medical professionals as one of the most challenging procedures known to modern medicine.

Most everyone who knows Dan knows he is intensely loyal and loving to his family and friends. If you call Dan for help, all he will say is “I’ll be right there.”  He wears his heart on his sleeve and if you are hurting, then he is hurting.  He embraces an incredible work ethic, which has shown in just about everything he does. Needless to say, grass doesn’t grow under Dan’s feet! But most importantly, Dan is a fighter. Before the pandemic threatened him with his compromised immune system, Dan worked full time through all of his treatments to provide for his family. And when Dan isn’t working, he is out running the Ocean City Boardwalk or Linwood Bike Path for miles to get physically and mentally ready for the new fight ahead. The one thing left out is that he is the ultimate father and husband.  His first born is off to college this year and he actually asked the doctors to delay his transplant so that he can be there to make sure Cameron is settled and safe during such a huge life transition. He and his wife, Tracy, are partners in every sense of the word and their marriage and devotion to one another is one that most of us could only hope for.

Now, think about all I just said and then think about that guy in bed and in isolation.  That is going to be Dan’s reality very soon. And while he is hopeful and grateful for a chance at a long-term remission, the reality of the treatment is daunting.  For, as if the typical hair loss and incredible pain and nausea from the treatment were not enough, his biggest burden will be his inability to provide for his family during his long rehabilitation. Dan will be unable to work for over a year; instead, he’ll be fighting against his body’s natural instinct to reject the new stem cells while also avoiding potentially deadly infections due to his suppressed immune system.  And although Dan will qualify for medical disability, the cost of living with this cancer far exceeds what Dan is entitled to. With a child starting college and another only three years behind… the reality of the financial consequences of this fight is crushing.

Anyone that knows Dan knows that everything mentioned above about him is true and, perhaps, even a bit understated.  They also know that if the cancer or treatment does not devastate him, the inability to provide for his family just might.  Therefore, much to his embarrassment, we are asking anyone that can help to please give what you can.  If you know Dan, then you know that he would certainly do the same for you.  On behalf of Dan, his family, and friends… we thank you for anything you can do to help.