Supporting a friend & 1st Responder thru cancer

Hi, my name is Bobbi and I am fundraising for my friend, Alan Mitchell. Alan has spent his life helping others but is too humble to ask for help for himself. He lives in Fairbanks, AK, but has no family in Alaska. 23 years ago, Alan was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer), most of which has been on his face and head. His first surgery was in 1999 from his forehead to his nostril. Doctors discovered he had a rare form of BCC that is classified as ‘invasive and infiltrative; meaning it goes deeper into the tissues. Cancer has uncommonly returned every three years requiring surgery in Seattle for most of them due to their complexity. He has had nine major surgeries and over 30 clinical procedures. Just one surgery alone ran 13 hours and required hospitalization for 8 days.

Chemotherapy is not typically used because that would be like burning your yard for two or three weeds. Earlier this year, Alan saw a defect develop on his left cheek. A new BCC was starting. Several evaluations and two surgeries were scheduled for multiple defects on his face. After the first surgery, it was determined that the area planned for the second surgery, the right side of his nose, was actually inoperable. For the first time in his fight, chemotherapy was recommended by three independent doctors as being the only option. Initially prepared to be out of work for three weeks for surgery and recovery, Alan now faces being out of work for 3-4 months with all savings and methods of income extinguished. He is on chemo day 23 of 90 today.

Alan has dedicated his life to public safety including 8 years in the fire service, and 18 years in the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice. Alan also served in the U.S. Army for four years and 10 years in the Alaska Army National Guard.

Please consider joining me in surrounding him with love, support, and any financial contribution you can. Any and all amounts are appreciated!