Help Sam Alsop Beat Cancer!
Donation protected
Note: GoFundMe does take a percentage of donations. If you're not comfortable with that, you can also send donations directly to us via , (username is @danielle_casey) If you would rather send a check but need our address, please email us ([email redacted]) -- Thank you all so very much.
If you already know Sam, you know that he is truly the best human being! He’s an incredibly loving and caring fiancé, son, brother, friend, and zoo-dad, and truly enjoys the simple pleasures in life. Like being up before the sun to fly-fish snook on the beach, grilling outdoors or taking their rescue dog Monty out to chase him on mountain bike trails. Sam’s adventurous spirit and passion for fishing has brought him around the world, catching some species many of us have never even heard of. But he’s just as content to be home, spending time with his fiancé Danielle, and their ever-growing animal family. Not one to sit still for too long, he’s always working on a home or garden project, or cooking incredible meals for the people he loves, especially his kitchen-averse fiancé!
This chapter in Sam’s story began back in August 2019 with an annoying sensation in his throat. He was initially treated by his Primary Doctor with antibiotics and an ultrasound (which came back normal). With no results Sam was transferred to an ENT and several visits later, with a month between each visit, there was no improvement. Sam requested a CT scan. The scan showed an enlarged lymph node on the right side under his jaw so an initial biopsy of the node was completed right there in his office. It came back clear of cancer but showed some necrosis of the tissue (dead tissue.) The best two guesses for these results were Tuberculosis or cancer, both unlikely given Sam’s health and age.
Sam and Danielle made the decision to move on to a specialist from the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center who recommended a more thorough biopsy of the tonsil which he’d need to be put under General Anesthesia for. On February 3rd a biopsy was completed at the University of Miami Hospital in Downtown Miami by Dr. Giovana Thomas. The result was that Sam had Tonsil Cancer. She recommended a removal of his right tonsil which would be done robotically through his mouth as well as a neck dissection (through his neck) to remove affected lymph nodes. Crazy enough, the morning after this biopsy we got the results back from the Tuberculosis test; positive! Two diagnoses in one week….what the heck?! However it turned out the TB wasn’t active -- just dormant, so, not contagious. He would need to be on 3 months antibiotics to clear that up.
A PET scan was next completed and showed no cancer in any other area other than the tonsil, Sam‘s pathology report revealed that it is an HPV related cancer which is more amenable to treatment. Sam flew to NYC and him and his mother, Deb, consulted with Memorial Sloan Kettering for a 2nd opinion to ensure the course of treatment recommended at University of Miami was advised. They were assured that U Miami was in fact providing a recommended course of treatment. On February 28th surgery was performed at the University of Miami Hospital.
Unfortunately the surgeon was not able to cleanly remove the tonsil and cancer affected area. Although 90 to 95% of the cancer has been removed, there is a sliver attaching to the Carotid artery, which must be treated through radiation and chemotherapy. This will occur 5 days a week for 6 to 7 seven weeks. Sam has spent the last four days in ICU and yesterday was transferred to a private room. He will need to use a feeding tube for the foreseeable future as the operation impacts swallowing and eating and we need to make sure his calorie intake remains adequate before beginning additional treatment. As we all know Sam for the foodie that he is; this is just another setback.
Sam has been told that this road is tough but doable. It will require his tremendous attention to detail and persistence as well as his love of life and optimism. This road will be new as Sam is a natural caretaker, the one who’s always there to make everybody else feel okay. He’s the friend that everyone can always depend on when they need him. And now it’s our turn to help the guy who so willingly goes out of his way to help everybody else. If you are able to contribute to help ease this journey your contribution would be much appreciated. Funds will be used to offset any income disruption and cost of medical expenses.
If you already know Sam, you know that he is truly the best human being! He’s an incredibly loving and caring fiancé, son, brother, friend, and zoo-dad, and truly enjoys the simple pleasures in life. Like being up before the sun to fly-fish snook on the beach, grilling outdoors or taking their rescue dog Monty out to chase him on mountain bike trails. Sam’s adventurous spirit and passion for fishing has brought him around the world, catching some species many of us have never even heard of. But he’s just as content to be home, spending time with his fiancé Danielle, and their ever-growing animal family. Not one to sit still for too long, he’s always working on a home or garden project, or cooking incredible meals for the people he loves, especially his kitchen-averse fiancé!
This chapter in Sam’s story began back in August 2019 with an annoying sensation in his throat. He was initially treated by his Primary Doctor with antibiotics and an ultrasound (which came back normal). With no results Sam was transferred to an ENT and several visits later, with a month between each visit, there was no improvement. Sam requested a CT scan. The scan showed an enlarged lymph node on the right side under his jaw so an initial biopsy of the node was completed right there in his office. It came back clear of cancer but showed some necrosis of the tissue (dead tissue.) The best two guesses for these results were Tuberculosis or cancer, both unlikely given Sam’s health and age.
Sam and Danielle made the decision to move on to a specialist from the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center who recommended a more thorough biopsy of the tonsil which he’d need to be put under General Anesthesia for. On February 3rd a biopsy was completed at the University of Miami Hospital in Downtown Miami by Dr. Giovana Thomas. The result was that Sam had Tonsil Cancer. She recommended a removal of his right tonsil which would be done robotically through his mouth as well as a neck dissection (through his neck) to remove affected lymph nodes. Crazy enough, the morning after this biopsy we got the results back from the Tuberculosis test; positive! Two diagnoses in one week….what the heck?! However it turned out the TB wasn’t active -- just dormant, so, not contagious. He would need to be on 3 months antibiotics to clear that up.
A PET scan was next completed and showed no cancer in any other area other than the tonsil, Sam‘s pathology report revealed that it is an HPV related cancer which is more amenable to treatment. Sam flew to NYC and him and his mother, Deb, consulted with Memorial Sloan Kettering for a 2nd opinion to ensure the course of treatment recommended at University of Miami was advised. They were assured that U Miami was in fact providing a recommended course of treatment. On February 28th surgery was performed at the University of Miami Hospital.
Unfortunately the surgeon was not able to cleanly remove the tonsil and cancer affected area. Although 90 to 95% of the cancer has been removed, there is a sliver attaching to the Carotid artery, which must be treated through radiation and chemotherapy. This will occur 5 days a week for 6 to 7 seven weeks. Sam has spent the last four days in ICU and yesterday was transferred to a private room. He will need to use a feeding tube for the foreseeable future as the operation impacts swallowing and eating and we need to make sure his calorie intake remains adequate before beginning additional treatment. As we all know Sam for the foodie that he is; this is just another setback.
Sam has been told that this road is tough but doable. It will require his tremendous attention to detail and persistence as well as his love of life and optimism. This road will be new as Sam is a natural caretaker, the one who’s always there to make everybody else feel okay. He’s the friend that everyone can always depend on when they need him. And now it’s our turn to help the guy who so willingly goes out of his way to help everybody else. If you are able to contribute to help ease this journey your contribution would be much appreciated. Funds will be used to offset any income disruption and cost of medical expenses.
Co-organizers (2)
Hollis Bubla
Organizer
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Danielle Casey
Beneficiary
Danielle Casey
Co-organizer