Support Lavar's Battle Against Esophageal Cancer

As many of us know, this guy is the life of the party! Always trying to make people laugh! Well, this friend of ours recently found out some rather life-changing news. A month ago, Lavar got diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It is pretty far into it. Last week, he got his port inserted and started chemotherapy. The treatment has taken a toll on him already and has made him very weak, not being able to work. He is also having a battle getting insurance and disability. It's very hard for him to digest whole food. Thankfully, his mother has come to his aid and started blending his food for him to eat. He is in Stage 3 of this disease, and Stage 4 isn't looking good.

Facts about esophageal cancer:

1) Esophageal cancer is relatively rare, making up about 1 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States.

2) Esophageal cancer is more common among men than among women. According to the American Cancer Society, men experience a lifetime risk of esophageal cancer at about 1 in 125 compared to about 1 in 417 in women.

3) It is the seventh leading cause of cancer death in men.

4) There are two types of esophageal cancer: adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma starts in gland cells at the bottom of the esophagus, and squamous cell carcinoma arises from squamous cells that are primarily in the upper esophagus.

5) Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer. Chronic acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, and chronic heartburn can increase your risk of developing adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer.

6) Squamous cell tumors are associated with heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and organ transplants.

7) Esophageal cancer is most common in Caucasian people. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the esophagus among whites, while squamous cell carcinoma is more common in Blacks. American Indian/Alaska Natives and Hispanics have lower rates of esophageal cancer, followed by Asians/Pacific Islanders.

8) People between the ages of 45 and 70 have the highest risk of esophageal cancer.

9) Using any form of tobacco raises the risk of esophageal cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco.

10) Researchers continue to investigate new methods to treat esophageal cancer. Some tumors are very responsive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and in certain instances, patients will not require surgical resection. Ongoing clinical trials at Rutgers Cancer Institute are exploring the use of chemoradiation coupled with immunotherapy to improve survival. Another exciting area of research involves the use of cell-free DNA (small fragments of tumor DNA detected in the blood) after surgical resection to help guide further treatment.

Please help me in donations for Lavar to help cover the food he needs and to help pay medical bills until his disability kicks in so his family isn't struggling to pay his medical bills.