Support Mary Ann and Dave's Cancer Battles

Mary Ann and Dave Batten are the sweetest couple I know and BOTH are battling cancer.

Here is their story (from Mary Ann)

Dave went to the hospital for abdominal pain and was treated and released after a long wait in the Emergency Department and a CT scan. The doctor said nothing showed on the scan and was referred to a Gastroenterologist. A week later, he was still in pain and was able to get the appointment and during that visit he was told to go back to the hospital and get admitted for a complete blood work up, for fluid retention and to get another CT scan. This date was August 8th, 2024, the day that the world changed for us.

The GI doctor took one look at the second CT scan and said the three words no one would like to hear - YOU HAVE CANCER. Dave was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Dave has been in the hospital four times for various issues relating to cancer. One of those times he had to take an ambulance to the emergency room. He had to have surgery and a port was placed in his chest for chemotherapy. After many chemotherapy sessions, he went back to his surgeon and was told he now needs radiation treatments - 28 treatments to be exact. He is halfway through the treatments and it seems to be working.

He was in Palliative Care but now, the Oncologist is giving him hope that this is now Curative Care. Dave has lost 100 pounds since August, he is finally eating and his energy level has increased. In April, he meets with his surgeon with hopes that the cancer has let go of the blood vessels that it is resting on and will be removed with a partial cure of his pancreas. We both have high hopes that his cancer will be removed and he will be in remission. Dave has only been able to work about 10 hours a week.

Mary Ann has had Leukemia CLL since 2022. She also has Stage 3 Kidney disease and spots on her liver, that thankfully are not cancerous at this time. She is presently in stable condition knowing that one day she could have renal failure, dialysis and chemotherapy. In October 2024, Mary Ann's employer told her she could either work full time or stay home and be the caregiver of her husband. As much as she loved working in the healthcare field, Dave was her priority. She was needed to take care of him full time during his cancer process. It has truly been a financial hardship but the decision was an easy one. Love Conquers All

As the new year has begun, Dave needs to meet his deductible for health insurance in addition to paying rent, utilities, auto repairs and buy groceries. Mary Ann plans on returning to work after Dave's surgery and recovery. Together they have so much positivity for the future and hope that everything will work out.

Times are tough for everyone and we understand that but, if you could donate any amount it would be greatly appreciated. Please help this wonderful couple. Hope for healing, and that they can continue to be with each other as long as life allows. Thank you!