If you’re reading this, thank you for taking a moment to hear my story. Recently, I was diagnosed with oral cancer, and everything changed very quickly.
Last week, I underwent a major surgery at City of Hope hospital in Duarte, California. During the procedure, doctors had to remove approximately 50% of my tongue to get a large tumor, plus my lymph nodes were removed. I also went through multiple skin graft surgeries to help reconstruct my tongue so I can regain basic functions like speaking and swallowing. I am currently in the ICU, working through the early stages of recovery.
This is just the beginning of a difficult road. In the coming weeks, I will begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments as I continue this fight. The physical toll is significant—but so is the financial burden. I have created this GoFundMe to help cover the overwhelming costs of my medical care and recovery. I never imagined I would be in a position to ask for help like this, but I am asking. The expenses from surgery, ICU care, reconstruction, and upcoming treatments are more than I can manage on my own, especially as I will not be able to work during this time.
Any support, no matter the amount, will go directly toward medical bills and hospital expenses, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, recovery, rehabilitation, and essential living costs.
If you’re able to contribute, I would be deeply grateful. If not, simply sharing this page would mean just as much to me. I’m doing everything I can to stay strong and get through this. Your support, prayers, and encouragement truly mean more than I can express. Thank you for standing with me.
Richard T. Slone
Last week, I underwent a major surgery at City of Hope hospital in Duarte, California. During the procedure, doctors had to remove approximately 50% of my tongue to get a large tumor, plus my lymph nodes were removed. I also went through multiple skin graft surgeries to help reconstruct my tongue so I can regain basic functions like speaking and swallowing. I am currently in the ICU, working through the early stages of recovery.
This is just the beginning of a difficult road. In the coming weeks, I will begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments as I continue this fight. The physical toll is significant—but so is the financial burden. I have created this GoFundMe to help cover the overwhelming costs of my medical care and recovery. I never imagined I would be in a position to ask for help like this, but I am asking. The expenses from surgery, ICU care, reconstruction, and upcoming treatments are more than I can manage on my own, especially as I will not be able to work during this time.
Any support, no matter the amount, will go directly toward medical bills and hospital expenses, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, recovery, rehabilitation, and essential living costs.
If you’re able to contribute, I would be deeply grateful. If not, simply sharing this page would mean just as much to me. I’m doing everything I can to stay strong and get through this. Your support, prayers, and encouragement truly mean more than I can express. Thank you for standing with me.
Richard T. Slone