I want to first share my appreciation for your time and to give thanks for your prayers and support as we navigate this challenging season of life. We are very grateful for everyone and are trying to take one day at a time.

At a routine dental visit this past December a lump was discovered on the left side of Tom’s face. The dentist initially took an x-ray but referred out to an oral surgeon for further evaluation. It was then determined to be a Parotid Tumor within his salivary gland. These type of tumors are somewhat rare and only affect 1-6 out of 100,000 people annually and roughly 20 percent are malignant.

Since this finding the tumor has grown in size. Due to its proximity to the facial nerve and other vital structures, the continued growth could cause eventual facial nerve palsy if not removed. Since this risk is lowered when the tumor is smaller, and it will only continue to increase in size over time, the ENT surgeon’s medical advice is to remove it (parotidectomy) as soon as possible. Also, they want to be able to determine as quickly as possible if it is malignant or not. The hope is the quicker we act the better the outcome long term.

The timing of all of this has presented to be a challenge. We both have had dental expenses that have cost over 3k in the last six months and have strained our financial situation along with the expenses of having to move in May due to a property situation that is completely out of our control.

The insurance deductible is very high and $0 has been met before surgery. Due to this the ENT surgeon and facility will need to have half the procedure cost up front which is $3500 before the surgery can be performed. The total out of pocket cost is estimated to be around $8-10K factoring in MRI scans, surgery and related services, anesthesia, lab biopsy, blood work, and procedure follow up.

We have explored all other possible financial options and could not find any available that would help. So as a last resort this funding will be used to cover medical expenses up front related to surgery and any other immediate costs. We are currently not factoring in the possibility for a malignant tumor. If this were to be the case (and we won’t know definitively until after surgery and final pathology results) then at that time we will provide an update with additional details.

Please know that we deeply appreciate your prayers and any help as you are able. We know that God has a plan and purpose for this situation. It has not randomly occurred and we trust that He will draw us closer to himself and teach us to rely more on him each and every day.

Peace be with you,

Erin and Tom Neal

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1