Please Support My Dad's Cancer Battle

Hi,

Some of you may know me, my name is Dasha Fedotova, I am an NYU student and a freelance photographer. And if you know me you probably know my dad Igor as he was always a friend of all my friends, a partner in crime and a very supportive person. He is a talented engineer and furniture designer, a father of three, a loving son and husband. Yet, this is the time when he needs our support, prayers, and positive energy.

In August 2022 my father was diagnosed with the final stage of pancreatic cancer. It was a shock for the entire family. Not only because this type of cancer is known to be very damaging and fast-paced, but also because dad couldn't get any treatment for this type and stage of cancer in the country he lived in. The hospital in Istanbul accepted him with this diagnosis giving him a chance to live up to 5 years. And my dad began his battle immediately and till now he didn't want anyone to know he was sick.

Unfortunately, we can't hide the truth anymore. In the past 3 months, he had 6 non-stop courses of chemo (there is a total of 12 chemos in his treatment program), lost about 40 pounds, developed cardiovascular and digestive system abnormalities and was suffering from unimaginable pain, but remained a fighter. When he almost gave up as the pain was unbearable, the MRI last night showed that the metastases were no longer in his liver (they were gone!) and his pancreas tumor shrunk by 20%. It was a ray of hope for all of us.

After genetic testing of the tumor, the doctors proposed specific targeted therapy which is less toxic to healthy body cells than chemo and will give a chance of remission for our dear dad. Seeing him suffering breaks my heart. But it breaks my heart even more seeing how my sweet little grandma is trying to be strong in this horrific situation. But leaving emotions aside, the most important thing for our family now is my dad's progress and all the support we can provide to keep up his health and his spirit.

It's been three months since dad hasn't been able to work and provide for his family (his youngest is just 6 now) and all the funds go to his treatment. The approximate calculation of the targeted therapy costs is insane, they may reach up to $100.000 a year and the only hope for my dad to live longer is to ask for your help.

I believe that the Holiday season is the most magical time when everything is possible, and this fundraiser can make the magic happen for our dear dad. We are genuinely grateful for every single donation: even one Starbucks latte you did not drink can give us more precious time to spend with our dad. He may not be the perfect human, but he is the only dad we have, and we love him to the moon and back.

PS–I also know that he is going to be mad at me for doing this–he hates asking for help as much as I hate it, that definitely makes two of us. But unfortunately, there is no other option. And if you cannot donate which I understand completely, please say a prayer for him and write a note of support below.

With love and gratitude,

Dasha and fam