We are Friends of Len Black, coming together to support Len and Jennifer financially as they navigate all the financial challenges that accompany this fight to beat cancer once more. Our goal is to raise enough money so that Len and Jennifer can focus on Len’s journey from treatment to recovery without worrying about how they will pay for all the expenses they will incur along the way.
Len has been a part of Cherokee County since 1972. You may know him as a Jeep enthusiast, a Harley Davidson rider, a kayaker, or a hiker.
Anyone who knows him loves him.
His infectious belly laughs, warm smiles, giving heart, and terrible jokes endear him to all.
Len was first diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2008. At that time, surgeons removed approximately 50% of his tongue and prescribed extensive radiation therapy. After 33 radiation treatments, Len was given the all-clear at the end of January 2009 and recovered well. Unfortunately, almost 15 years to the day after being given the previous all-clear, Len’s cancer has returned. Last month, Len noticed an ulcer in his mouth and sought medical advice.
Unfortunately, after consultation and testing, he and Jennifer received the devastating news that his cancer was back.
This time, Len needs our help. He and Jennifer both need our help.
Len is now diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. A solid plan of attack is now in place, and Len will now begin to beat cancer once more. His treatment plan is aggressive and will involve the removal and reconstruction of his entire jaw on one side, the removal of all but three teeth, and chemotherapy and radiation post-surgery. Len will have a tracheotomy and a feeding tube during his recovery. In his own words, he describes the surgery as “horrific.”
For about six weeks after surgery, Len will be mostly incapacitated as his body heals before starting chemo and radiation. In a best-case scenario, Len will be out of work for at least six months. We don’t doubt that he will crush all obstacles and pull through this with our help.
During this challenging time, Len’s financial needs will be significant. Even with some disability and health insurance, Len faces the need to meet high deductibles, high out-of-pocket maximums, and other uncovered medical fees. Additional financial burdens he faces include loss of earnings, premiums to maintain health insurance, general ongoing household expenses, and potentially even loss of earnings for Jennifer as she cares for and supports Len through his journey to recovery.
Len will also ultimately require extensive restorative dental treatments and bridges and dentures to help him regain normal eating, chewing, and drinking capabilities. Much of that will, unfortunately, be out of pocket, too.
As you can no doubt see, Len’s need for financial support to help him through this battle is intense. We know this community loves Len, and we hope you can find it in your heart to contribute to this GoFundMe campaign.
We, the Friends of Len Black, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and love during this difficult time. Please check back often for updates on Len’s journey.
