Richard Wappat's battle with Head and Neck Cancer

Richard Wappat has been a lifelong resident of Mayville, NY and is a father of 4, one of which is still in school under his care. Our dad is family oriented and lives for Jesus, his children, and his pets. The best thing about our dad is how thoughtful and compassionate he is. He loves to cook and bake, preparing lunches and desserts for us. He was diagnosed with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 6 years ago with tumors originating in his tongue. He had visited a cancer center in 2017 but the experience led him to believe his cancer treatment would best be done on his own with holistic approaches and lifestyle changes. Although this method had vast improvements on his overall health, symptoms recently began to progress and at a much faster rate.

At the young age of 61, Richard decided to reconsider chemotherapy and radiation before cancer takes his life. We sought out opinions from local cancer centers who referred him to centers that are best suited for the level of care he needs with the hope to avoid major surgeries/removal of his tongue. Our travels to Cleveland and Chicago were very helpful and gave us a lot of insight and hope for the first time. Imaging over the last few months has identified that the cancer cells are now growing more aggressively with tumors becoming larger and spreading to more areas of his mouth and jaw.

Richard’s treatment began September 18th at Cleveland Clinic, which will be a 4-hour round trip, 5 days a week for 7 weeks. Should health concerns from treatment arise, making travel difficult, lodging and meals will become an additional expense. Once he has recovered from treatment, Richard will begin a clinical trial of immunotherapy which will continue for a year. Cleveland Clinic said it’s probable that he will need surgery after treatment to repair the part of his jawbone that has been destroyed and is currently being held together by a tumor.

Richard works for Chautauqua County where short-term disability is not available. He is motivated to continue working throughout treatment and has a strong work ethic, but because of traveling to appointments and the severe side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, the doctors don’t foresee working as a viable option. Although he meets criteria for SSDI, it takes 6 months to be approved and we are hopeful he will return to work before that and SSDI is not retroactive.

On top of our dad’s inability to work, there are uncovered medical expenses, gas, food, and possible lodging. It is with great appreciation and gratitude that my brother, Braydyn, my sisters, Corinne and Virginia, and I come to ask those who are willing and able, if you could please donate to help our dad with the financial burden of cancer treatment.

A direct quote from Richard is “I value prayer more than gold.” If you are one to pray, please pray for our dad’s battle with cancer, his ability to maintain nutrition, and to avoid major, invasive surgery. Thank you all in advance.

**Venmo, CashApp, Paypal, cash and checks are all additional methods to donate if you prefer to not use this platform. Please just reach out to one of Richard's children for information.**