Treatment & Recovery Fundraiser for Randy Sharrock
Donation protected
As many of you know, during the 2020 holiday season, Randy Sharrock was diagnosed with a recurrence of throat cancer, and began preparing himself for an extensive surgical procedure set for the beginning of 2021.
What you should also know, is that this is Randy's 4th battle with cancer. He has undergone extensive treatment, including radiation and multiple surgeries, faced down statistics, managed side effects with undeterred optimism, and thrown himself into recovery and survivorship with a tenacity that is truly difficult to match. His medical battles have been a lesson in positive, unflappable, determination.
Last week, Randy underwent the massive, almost 9 hour procedure to both remove existing cancer, and reconstruct the structures in his jaw, throat, and neck. In the typical Randy fashion, his attitude was unwaveringly optimistic, and he made it through with flying colors. Surgeons were able to remove all the cancer, but they did find that it had spread to his larynx, which they had to remove.
Randy has been released from the ICU, and is currently beginning the long and difficult business of healing. Having emerged from surgery with a trach, multiple drains, a feeding tube, tissue grafts, and a laryngectomy, he has had a lot to adjust to in the last week, not the least of which is the loss of his ability to communicate with his voice. On top of the physical healing ahead of him, he will undergo physical and speech therapy, and the complicated business of cancer treatment.
Randy has the tireless support of his incredible partner, Sarah, to help get him on the path to mending. He has five fantastic, dedicated kids, and the support of his mom, dad, brother and sister and their kids, and many excellent friends. While the road ahead of him may be difficult, he has so much to get back to doing. His kids are coming into their own, and beginning awesome new adventures. He is a grandpa. He has so many friends waiting to celebrate recovery with him as soon as he is able. He has miles and miles of trails ahead of him to hike with Sarah.
What he also surely has, and what will undoubtedly continue to build during the course of his recovery, are some fairly astronomical medical bills. As any cancer patient can tell you, the financial component of medical treatment can make the process of recovery extraordinarily daunting, particularly when the road ahead is long.
Randy is in this for the long haul, and his determination and optimism in the face of uncertainty and discomfort are, as ever, nothing short of inspiring. At present, he cannot enjoy a hamburger, slice of chocolate cake, or bowl of chicken noodle soup. He cannot pick up his phone, dial his kids, and talk about how he's been feeling over a call. He is healing through an experience that has denied him so many creature comforts that we all take for granted every day. And he is doing it steadfastly, with great determination and patience. We are organizing this fundraiser in support of him, to relieve as much of that uncertainty and discomfort as we can.
Sarah and Randy have both intoned in these last several days that the outpouring of support through social media and messages from friends and loved ones have been incredible - let's put that energy and desire to help to good use! Any donation towards his recovery will help lighten the load, and allow him more mental space to concentrate on healing.
On behalf of Randy's family, thank you for all your amazing positivity and support. We appreciate you all, and we're sure that we can make a great impact together to help get Randy back to doing what he does best - living life to the fullest, and showing us how powerful enthusiasm, optimism, and determination can truly be! <3 <3
What you should also know, is that this is Randy's 4th battle with cancer. He has undergone extensive treatment, including radiation and multiple surgeries, faced down statistics, managed side effects with undeterred optimism, and thrown himself into recovery and survivorship with a tenacity that is truly difficult to match. His medical battles have been a lesson in positive, unflappable, determination.
Last week, Randy underwent the massive, almost 9 hour procedure to both remove existing cancer, and reconstruct the structures in his jaw, throat, and neck. In the typical Randy fashion, his attitude was unwaveringly optimistic, and he made it through with flying colors. Surgeons were able to remove all the cancer, but they did find that it had spread to his larynx, which they had to remove.
Randy has been released from the ICU, and is currently beginning the long and difficult business of healing. Having emerged from surgery with a trach, multiple drains, a feeding tube, tissue grafts, and a laryngectomy, he has had a lot to adjust to in the last week, not the least of which is the loss of his ability to communicate with his voice. On top of the physical healing ahead of him, he will undergo physical and speech therapy, and the complicated business of cancer treatment.
Randy has the tireless support of his incredible partner, Sarah, to help get him on the path to mending. He has five fantastic, dedicated kids, and the support of his mom, dad, brother and sister and their kids, and many excellent friends. While the road ahead of him may be difficult, he has so much to get back to doing. His kids are coming into their own, and beginning awesome new adventures. He is a grandpa. He has so many friends waiting to celebrate recovery with him as soon as he is able. He has miles and miles of trails ahead of him to hike with Sarah.
What he also surely has, and what will undoubtedly continue to build during the course of his recovery, are some fairly astronomical medical bills. As any cancer patient can tell you, the financial component of medical treatment can make the process of recovery extraordinarily daunting, particularly when the road ahead is long.
Randy is in this for the long haul, and his determination and optimism in the face of uncertainty and discomfort are, as ever, nothing short of inspiring. At present, he cannot enjoy a hamburger, slice of chocolate cake, or bowl of chicken noodle soup. He cannot pick up his phone, dial his kids, and talk about how he's been feeling over a call. He is healing through an experience that has denied him so many creature comforts that we all take for granted every day. And he is doing it steadfastly, with great determination and patience. We are organizing this fundraiser in support of him, to relieve as much of that uncertainty and discomfort as we can.
Sarah and Randy have both intoned in these last several days that the outpouring of support through social media and messages from friends and loved ones have been incredible - let's put that energy and desire to help to good use! Any donation towards his recovery will help lighten the load, and allow him more mental space to concentrate on healing.
On behalf of Randy's family, thank you for all your amazing positivity and support. We appreciate you all, and we're sure that we can make a great impact together to help get Randy back to doing what he does best - living life to the fullest, and showing us how powerful enthusiasm, optimism, and determination can truly be! <3 <3
Organizer and beneficiary
Katie Sharrock
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH
Randal Sharrock
Beneficiary