This past summer my wife Kate, who is only 42 years old, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue for the third time. So far, she has completed six intense rounds of chemotherapy and recently had a CT that showed the tumor has spread and grown. Surgery is not an option at this point, as she has already undergone two major surgeries that included reconstruction. The tumor and ulcers inside her mouth and throat have become so large and painful that she can barely speak. She has just had a feeding tube placed so she is able to get the nutrients she needs.

My wife is an amazing person who served her country as a United States Air Force Security Force Member for 6 years, she worked as an EMT for AMR for years, as well as an ER Nurse for Woodland Memorial hospital up until she was placed on disability last July.

Unfortunately, this cancer is terminal but we are trying to find a treatment that will slow the growth of the tumor and give her the best quality of life possible. Kate has spent so much of her life taking care of other people, and now we’re asking for some help for ourselves. The financial and emotional strain on myself, working while your spouse is trying to battle this disease is not something I would wish on anyone. We know that this time of year is difficult financially for many people, but this may be Kate’s last Christmas with us and we don’t want her worried about anything other than feeling stronger.

We would also like to say thank you in advance to anyone who is able to contribute and for any healing thoughts.