Help Ken Fight Oropharyngeal Cancer: Specialized Treatment and Travel Support

Hey everyone,

My name is Brandon, and I am setting up this GoFundMe for my friend Ken, who has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of oropharyngeal head and neck cancer. The tumor is in the base of his tongue and tonsil area, and it has reached a few nearby lymph nodes, but there is no indication of spread elsewhere. The cancer is treatable, with the aim of achieving a full cure, though the process will require significant effort and resources. As a husband and father to two young children, Ken's diagnosis affects not only his health but also his family's stability during this challenging time.

Ken is opting for a specialized treatment plan to maximize his chances of success. This includes trips to California for targeted therapies, followed by radiation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The plan requires travel and temporary stays away from home, which add to the overall demands.

The treatment details are as follows:

Trips to California: Flights every three weeks for the specialized sessions, including costs for lodging, transportation, and other travel needs.

Radiation in NYC: Daily sessions five days a week for several weeks—potentially up to seven weeks based on how the California treatment progresses—requiring weekday accommodations in the city and weekend trips home, with expenses for housing, meals, parking, and commuting.

Insurance covers some portions, but it may not cover all or any of the specialized treatment in California, and out-of-pocket costs for copays, deductibles, prescriptions, scans, and tests are substantial. The added travel and stays create further financial pressure. Ken typically handles matters independently and does not often ask for help, but this situation calls for support to manage the costs effectively.

Your donations will go toward:

California Travel: Flights, lodging, ground transportation, and parking.

Medical Expenses Not Covered: Copays, deductibles, medications, and tests, including any gaps in coverage for the specialized treatment.

NYC Stays for Radiation: Weekly housing, meals, local transport, and parking.

Basic Living Expenses: Rent or mortgage, utilities, and groceries during periods when work is affected.

The goal is to help cover some of the expenses and allow Ken to concentrate on his treatment. Any contribution helps, and if donating is not possible, sharing the campaign is appreciated.

Thank you for your consideration and assistance.

With Love,

Brandon