Support Danny Wood in His Time of Medical Need

I am a 38 year old Philadelphia resident who has been blessed to have surrounded myself with the most incredible folks throughout my life in this city. I constantly feel loved and I try to return it as hard as I can and pay it forward to others to prove this really is the city of brotherly love. I truly believe it is from my experience here, and I do not take it for granted.

I recently went into the ER with stomach issues and severe bleeding. I expected to be at the hospital one day at most, but the doctors were concerned and kept me for further evaluation. Three days in, they found a tumor above my rectum that is potentially cancerous. When I heard the word cancer, I was terrified. I spent another three days undergoing multiple CAT scans, an ultrasound, an MRI, a lot of bloodwork, and constant observation. I am still awaiting biopsy results, and will have to return soon to have surgery to remove the mass.

While in the hospital, I was very honest about my issues with drinking. They provided me with incredible resources, and after many years of trying to deal with it on my own, I chose to finally accept help. I felt embarrassed and very emotional to be so honest about my issues with alcohol and mental health including experiencing ongoing depression and anxiety. I’ve tried to fight it all alone for so long. But it was time to put pride aside, and with that came a huge sense of relief and an overwhelming gratitude for the encouragement, support and care I was receiving and being offered.

I’m heading to an inpatient recovery clinic for the next month or so to receive help for my problems with alcohol and my mental health. Unfortunately this means I will be out of work for at least 5 weeks, and I’ve already struggled to make ends meet before all of this happened. The lack of work with the addition of medical bills is going to be crippling, and I could use any support I could get.

I truly pray my biopsy results say the tumor is benign, and I’m incredibly happy I had the courage to ask for help after so many years or trying to face everything on my own. It has also blown me away how much love and support I’ve received for making the decision to do what I’m doing now. I look forward to supporting others in understanding that they are not alone. We can find more ways to relate to each other than expected at times. It’s very easy to feel isolated and alone, but we are not.

An incredibly close friend who has been through recovery, and been here for me through all of this, and more, encouraged me to ask for help financially. Any help during this time would be so exceptionally appreciated.

I will provide an update with my biopsy results when they come. I’m staying positive and glad to be surrounded by a wealth of positivity from everyone in my life. I cherish you all.