Organized by Chris Clayton and Mary Sullivan-White

Nolan, Crystal and their two sweet ones, Nika and Jack, need our help.

They aren't likely to ask for it, so we are asking for them. They need us right now.

Nolan has been diagnosed with an approximately 3cm Deep lobe parotid tumor extended to the superficial gland with facial nerve involvement. Secondary facial weakness/ partial Bell’s Palsy, which began approx. 7/25/22. Nolan's specific situation is very rare

A brief synopsis of the situation is somewhat complicated and has many details. They have already been down a long road since the initial discovery of the tumor. Time is of the essence here.

Nolan has a moderate to fast-growing salivary gland tumor that has infiltrated his facial nerves and is beginning to cause muscle paralysis around his left eye. They have not received conclusive pathology (labs) to determine whether or not the tumor is cancerous. Both in network Head & Neck Surgeon (Kaiser) and their second opinion (Dr. Osborne of The Head & Neck Institute) agree that clinical symptoms are suspicious of malignancy. Nolan is at risk of suddenly having complete Bell’s Palsy on the left side of his face.

They have been involved in the diagnostic process for more than a month with their current health provider. CT scan indicated that the tumor was located in the parotid region. Regardless of pathology, the tumor is dangerous and needs to come out. New symptoms of Palsy changed doctors' clinical route on 7/26/22 appointment from the second biopsy to same day/ next day MRI and ultrasound-guided biopsy. They chose to get a second opinion from one of the leading parotid surgeons in the world who luckily, is located in Los Angeles. After reviewing Nolan’s medical records and observing his Palsy symptoms, Dr. Osborne gave a pressing and grave analysis of their situation, and Nolan needs to be in surgery within the next two weeks.

Nolan needs a complete Parotidectomy as soon as possible in hopes of potentially sparing his facial expression/function, stopping it from infiltrating other organs/systems if it is found to be malignant and identifying if the tumor is cancerous. Due to delays by their current health provider, they have elected to use a private surgeon Dr. Osborne who can remove the tumor as quickly as possible.

They have scheduled surgery with Dr. Osborne within the next two weeks. This will require them to travel to LA for pre-op, surgery, and post-op and are unsure yet how long they will need to stay. They are leaving their two young children, ages 6 and 16 months, with family while they make the trip. Treatment following surgery will depend on the tumor's pathology. Their insurance will not cover the surgery if performed by Dr. Osborne.

Nolan provides the single income which the family relies on. Time off of work means dipping into limited emergency savings and placing the down payment for the surgery on a credit card. As a result, the total out-of-pocket cost for surgery will be $30,000 - $40,000 plus, not to mention travel expenses, additional in-network copays, etc.

Nolan is the guy you can count on. Nolan is often the first person called to help. Both are the first to volunteer in a crisis, lend a hand, and do not hesitate if asked to help. Nolan and Crystal have and will go out of their way for friends, family, strangers, and animals included. We know you will agree they deserve to be showered with love and support through this ordeal.