Trials of Hope - Dave Docter Cancer Battle Fund

Our father, Dave Docter, is currently battling stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer.  He was diagnosed with cancer back in 2015 and underwent target radiation and other forms of intense cancer treatments which kept the cancer at bay for a number of years, but in 2018 the cancer progressed to his bones and formed a tumor on his spine. The tumor was removed but the damage had already been done to Dad’s spinal cord and he lost the ability to walk. As you can imagine this was a shocking turn of events and greatly impacted what life looked like for our parents. Instead of enjoying an active lifestyle and continuing a 20+ year career at the Post Office, at the age of 62, Dad was forced to retire early and endure what has been an uphill battle of daily pain and learning how to walk again. He has made great progress in his mobility but the cancer is still progressing and there are unfortunately few treatment options left. 

We had learned about a new immunotherapy cancer treatment which has had amazing results since the clinical trials began a few years ago, but we soon learned that Dad didn't qualify for this treatment because his type of cancer is deep in his bones and the treatment requires the harvesting of a soft tissue tumor sample. This news was disappointing to hear but we did not give up hope because we believe nothing is impossible with God! So in the most unusual answer to prayer, this fall they found another tumor on Dad's spine.  After another successful major surgery to remove this new tumor and reconstruct one of Dad’s vertebrae, the doctors were able to obtain the necessary sample of his cancer, which has now opened the door for this new treatment option.

The sample has been shipped to the treatment center and they are working to formulate a serum using Dad's specific cancer that, when reintroduced to the body, will train his immune system fight and eradicate the cancer cells. How amazing is that! As with any cancer treatment, there are no guarantees but we trust that God has a plan for healing and that this is Dad’s best remaining medical option for beating cancer.  

Unfortunately, this trial is so new that the US healthcare system will not cover the cost. Currently this treatment is only being offered through backing from the British government and, as such, US patients need to travel to the Cayman Islands to receive treatment.

We are asking for help from our friends and family to raise $30,000. These funds will cover the cost of the treatment and travel to and from the Cayman Islands. Provided we can raise the support needed in time we are hoping Dad can make the trek down to start the treatment this December.  Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for our family during this trying time.

~ Matthew, Heather, & Rosanne