My name is Dennis Kern, and I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult seasons of my life.

At the end of 2023, on December 31st, I went to the hospital because of intense, unbearable pain coming from a small knot under my beard that I had noticed months earlier. At the time, I thought it was nothing serious and assumed it would go away on its own. I never imagined it would turn into something life-changing.

In January 2024, after a biopsy, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Parotid Salivary Duct Carcinoma.

Since that moment, my life has been filled with surgeries, treatments, and challenges I never saw coming. Doctors have removed tumors from my neck and face. In April 2024, I underwent a full maxillary extraction, and by June, I began 37 consecutive days of radiation (except on the weekend). Each treatment lasted only about 20 minutes, but the physical and emotional toll has been overwhelming.

Throughout this journey, additional complications arose, including nerve damage in my neck and face. By 2025, I barely recognized myself. My medical team has since created a plan to help restore both function and appearance, including multiple reconstructive procedures such as an eyelid implant, Botox treatments, and five facial animation surgeries.

Some of these procedures have been especially intense. Surgeons have taken nerves from my ankle and tissue from my thigh to try to repair the damage in my face and neck. The first major surgery was not successful, which has made this road even harder.

Today, I live with ongoing pain. My vision in my left eye is limited, I struggle with balance, and even basic things like sleeping or sitting comfortably can be difficult. I am also managing a long list of medications. These challenges have made it impossible for me to work or maintain my normal daily life, something that has been incredibly hard for me, as I’ve always taken pride in providing for my family.

This diagnosis came as a complete shock. I’ve never been a smoker, and I had never even heard of this type of cancer before.

I’m humbly asking for your help during this time. Donations will go toward the overwhelming medical expenses from surgeries and treatments, as well as the personal loans, I’ve had to take on for travel and specialized care. Your support will also help my family catch up on household bills that have fallen behind while I’ve been unable to work.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, truly means more than I can express. If you’re unable to give, sharing my story would also be a blessing.