Scott DeBane Cancer Relief Fund

Shortly after Scott’s 50th birthday, he learned he had a very rare form of cancer: Pheochromocytoma with metastasis paraganglioma.  Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue. It results in the release of too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that control heart rate, metabolism, and blood pressure.  This rare form of cancer is not well understood, but Scott, his wife Lori and their daughter Desa did everything possible to fight it.  Prior to his diagnosis, Scott had a kidney removed because of the presence of tumors.  These were benign, but none of us knew that in other parts of his body, other tumors were metasicizing. 

Once he was diagnosed, he and Lori made the long trip from Colorado to Philadelphia multiple times for experimental treatments in a clinical trial.  These seemed to work to some extent at slowing down the progression of the disease, but unfortunately, once metastases develop, a cure is no longer possible.  At this time, Scott is in home palliative care, but he’s spent most of the summer in the hospital, frequently in ICU.  

Scott and Lori have fought an incredible battle, and have incurred expenses that would strain almost any budget.  They are very private people, and although they have been reluctant to ask for financial help, they have finally agreed given the severe burden of their medical bills to allow their friends and community to help.  I’m asking those who love Scott, Lori and Desa to consider contributing to this fundraising effort, to help relieve some of that burden.  Scott and Lori are extraordinary people who have shown kindness and generosity to those around them.  It is my hope that we can show some of that back to them during this incredibly stressful time.

All donations, minus Go Fund Me's fees, will go directly to Lori DeBane for Scott’s care.