Hope for Brian

To know Brian is to love him. Reliable, loyal, humble, hardworking, kind & loving are just a few words to describe our “Bubba.” Brian is the greatest son, brother, husband, dad & friend that you could ever ask for. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, even if that meant that he would go without. Putting others needs before his own is something that Brian doesn’t think twice about. He leads his life with his heart and doesn’t ever ask for anything in return from anyone. Brian wears many titles, but his most honorable is his title of being the best husband and dad. Nothing is more important to Brian than his girls: his wife Kalene, and his two daughters Lexi & Haley.

Just when things seemed to be going in the right direction, life for Brian and his family took a devastating turn in June of 2023. Brian was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell lung cancer.

Brian currently has an egg sized mass in his left lung, which has partially collapsed his lung. The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it’s in his right lung and lower abdomen. They have also recently found two spots on his brain, which were treated with radiation.

He goes to chemotherapy every three weeks as treatment. The first rounds of treatment didn't work, and the mass grew slightly. He is now going through a different type of chemotherapy and hopefully starting a clinical trial soon.

The new chemotherapy lowered his white blood cell count so much so that his body couldn't fight off bacteria that entered his body. Due to his body being more prone to infection, he just recently spent four days at Roswell fighting off an infection that also caused a small bleed in his lung. He received a blood transfusion and several rounds of antibiotics, as well as five rounds of radiation to help stop the bleeding in his lung. Thankfully, he made it home just in time to celebrate Christmas with his family.

Those of us who are lucky enough to know Brian, know just how special it feels to be on the receiving end of his friendship. Now it’s our turn to give back to Brian, as he continues to take on and endure the greatest fight of his life. Brian is currently trying to live his life as he always has; in order to maintain stability and normalcy at home for his girls. Brian is still working to support his family, even though his treatments and health need to be his primary focus.

As we enter into the new year, it’s important to remember that each day spent with the ones we love is truly the greatest gift of all. If you could find it in your heart and have the means to help Brian, please consider donating so that he can continue his fight, while focusing on his family. If you are unable to donate, please share his story. Brian is not someone who would ever ask for help, but we know that showing Brian just how much we love & support him will mean the absolute world to him.

Last, please keep the Lavocat family in your thoughts and prayers.

"With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26