Stephen Yanac, You Got This
Donation protected
Stephen is our friend; colleague; son; grandson; brother; teacher and acquaintance who will be fighting to beat a cancer diagnosis starting with surgery early in February. This uphill battle would be more easily won with some financial piece of mind. I am hopeful that we will be able to raise enough money for him to pay his bills and living expenses for the next few months as he does not have any type of short term disability insurance. If each of us shared this posting and gave a little I am sure we could reach the goal. Thank you all, in advance, for any contribution you are able to give to this exceptional young man.
These are Stephen's words:
"I've decided it's time to let my friends know about a scary journey that myself and my family have been dealt, and are ready to tackle head on. I was diagnosed with Cancer last week. It's squamous cell carcioma at base of my tongue considered head amd neck cancer. At 29 yrs old I was never a smoker or heavy drinker, for me it is genetic, my great grandfather and grandfather had throat cancer. At Smilow it was 6 hrs of discussion, ct scans (which show no other cancer cells), meeting our large care team and preop testing. I will be will be having very intensive surgery on feb 1st. This will involve a neck disection to access and remove my left lymph nodes, a tracheotomy and feeding tube, 1/3 of my tongue will be removed and a reconstructive surgeon will repair the tongue using my left wrist skin and arteries, and possibly my left thigh of needed. I will be in the hospital at least a week, and my lovely lady will remain with me during this very critical time. We will not know if they got all the cancer until about a week after surgery when the path comes back, and then we will talk about radiation and chemo if necessary. I am usually a private person when it comes to things like this, but I think the added support is a positive vibe that will help me along the way. I have told my children I need surgery for the boo boo in my mouth, and did not use the "c" word so please be careful if you see them. I can do this, I am strong and have everything I have ever wanted in life, I'm ready to fight and get on with my wonderful life."
These are Stephen's words:
"I've decided it's time to let my friends know about a scary journey that myself and my family have been dealt, and are ready to tackle head on. I was diagnosed with Cancer last week. It's squamous cell carcioma at base of my tongue considered head amd neck cancer. At 29 yrs old I was never a smoker or heavy drinker, for me it is genetic, my great grandfather and grandfather had throat cancer. At Smilow it was 6 hrs of discussion, ct scans (which show no other cancer cells), meeting our large care team and preop testing. I will be will be having very intensive surgery on feb 1st. This will involve a neck disection to access and remove my left lymph nodes, a tracheotomy and feeding tube, 1/3 of my tongue will be removed and a reconstructive surgeon will repair the tongue using my left wrist skin and arteries, and possibly my left thigh of needed. I will be in the hospital at least a week, and my lovely lady will remain with me during this very critical time. We will not know if they got all the cancer until about a week after surgery when the path comes back, and then we will talk about radiation and chemo if necessary. I am usually a private person when it comes to things like this, but I think the added support is a positive vibe that will help me along the way. I have told my children I need surgery for the boo boo in my mouth, and did not use the "c" word so please be careful if you see them. I can do this, I am strong and have everything I have ever wanted in life, I'm ready to fight and get on with my wonderful life."
Organizer
Liz Leighton
Organizer
New Haven, CT
