My name is Aric Ott. I am a 48-year-old husband who deeply loves his wife Colleen, and we have been married for seven wonderful years. Recently, our lives were turned upside down when I was diagnosed with oral cancer.

My doctors have told me that in order to remove the cancer, they will need to surgically remove half of my tongue and reconstruct it using skin and arteries from my forearm. After the surgery, I will face about six weeks of recovery, followed by six weeks of daily radiation treatments. It’s overwhelming to process everything that lies ahead, both physically and emotionally.

While I am blessed to have health insurance through my job, I will be unable to work for approximately four months during treatment and recovery. This loss of income, combined with the out-of-pocket medical expenses that insurance does not cover, will create a significant financial burden for us.

I am reaching out through GoFundMe to ask for financial help and support during this incredibly challenging time. Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean more than words can express. Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and encouragement and donations as we walk this difficult road. Update on my Cancer surgery!!!!

**Update I had the tongue surgery on Feb.18th. It lasted for about 10 hours and was great until Day 4. Since it was the weekend I didn't really get too much attention from the main Doctor. I was looked at on Sunday morning when he came in from what was happening on Saturday. After check up he told me I had to go immediately back into the Operating Room to fix the blood flow out of the tongue. After another 5 hour surgery and a tract had to be put in so I can breathe for the next part we thought that it was fixed and now a little better but not right.

**Then I was told again that they had to order leaches for leach therapy, no joke! I started the leech therapy yesterday and it is working! It helps restore blood flow to my tongue.

**❤️We received some amazing news today.

The head and neck surgeon and his team just came into the room to check on Aric. They examined his tongue, and it looks better than it did yesterday. They were able to remove all of the cancer, and the lymph nodes taken during surgery showed no signs of cancer.

This means he may not need radiation. Please keep praying!!! ❤️