Stand by John Batgos: Facing Cancer and Hardship

When my brother-in-law, John Batgos, hobbled into our house on Thanksgiving Day, we all thought he had pulled a few muscles in his back. Or maybe had a slipped disc.

A bad back, we thought, seemed like an occupational hazard. John, 57, a lifelong resident of the Wayne/Devon area, has spent a lifetime on his feet – waiting tables at local restaurants since he was 16.

He began complaining of back pain in October, and soon started missing shifts. After several trips to the doctor, and a visit to the ER on December 7th, John was dealt a devastating blow.

He has metastatic lung cancer, stage 4, that has spread to his spine and liver. Currently, John's mobility is limited. He was discharged on Monday 12/16th from Bryn Mawr Hospital where they stabilized his back pain as much as possible and tackled the cancer aggressively. The doctors are not without hope. But his future is uncertain.

John started in the restaurant business at his parents’ diner, The Valley Forge Restaurant, which was located in King of Prussia. Up until recently, he was working as a waiter full time at several restaurants in Chester County; Black Powder Tavern, Flowing Springs Inn, and the Epicurean Garage (until it recently closed).

John is incredibly popular with customers not only for his smile and positive disposition, but also his expansive knowledge of music, movies, and sports.

Unfortunately service professionals typically don’t have paid leave, disability insurance or even earn enough to save for a rainy day. And this is all true for John. Without an ability to work, he has no way to pay his bills and daily living expenses.

His complex and multi-stage treatment has begun. On December 9th, he started sessions of targeted radiation on his back. He finished his first round of chemotherapy (three days in a row) on the 12th. In early January, he will have his second round of chemotherapy and his first round of immunotherapy.

Your generosity will go directly to John's care; medical expenses, home care, and what he needs for daily living as he fights this terrible disease.

Thank you, and keep John in your prayers.

Marianne

Please share his story and this link.