Monty's Cancer Treatment Fund
Donation protected
For the fourth time, the cancer has returned. This time the doctors told Monty Saunders that surgery is not an option, nor is any other known treatment going to solve the problem. The first surgery involved removing his jaw bone and some teeth. It was very invasive surgery with bone grafts from his leg to replace the jaw bone. It was severe. A year passed with the doctors quite sure they removed all the cancer.
Sadly, that was not the case. Monty wrote, “You may have already heard that my cancer has returned. I will give a brief run down of what is going to happen. They found a new tumor in the floor of my mouth near where I have already had surgery from the last cancer almost exactly one year ago. Because of the amount of radiation given during the last surgery I cannot have any more radiation therapy.”
Chemotherapy was also ruled out. This second surgery was even more invasive that the first, involving the removal of the floor of his mouth. He had to have a feeding tube since he could not chew or swallow, a tracheotomy, an open incision that wouldn’t heal and had to be repacked daily, and more. It was a horrendous surgery to recover from, but slowly he did. Hoping all the while it was his last.
A few months later another tumor was found in his chin and removed with far less invasion involved. Again, he hoped it was over.
But no! The tumor in his jaw returned and appeared to be spreading. This time the scans showed it was inoperable. Seeking more help Monty and his wife drove the 410 miles from their home in Vale, Oregon to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City and met with doctors there. After examining the scans they determined there was no cure. He was devastated. However, the Huntsman doctors told him about an experimental trial treatment that was being conducted that he may be a candidate for.
As it turned out he did qualify for the treatment and has chosen to pursue it. It’s an experimental immune system therapy drug, with the closest location to receive it in Spokane, Washington, over 300 miles from his home. He has to travel there every three weeks to get the treatment for two years. While the cost of the treatment is covered, other expenses are not, including travel and lost wages, both his and his wife’s since she needs to travel with him. All sick leave pay is used up. They both will keep working between treatments. Their employers are kindly allowing them to take the time off needed for the treatments, but without pay.
All of the donated money will be used for travel expenses and lost wages during the two-year treatment period.
Monty is the only living child of his parents, Darrell and Dianne Saunders, who lost their three other children. A young daughter died from causes due to severe disabilities, their other daughter in a car accident, and their youngest son from pneumonia. They are in their late 70’s and cannot bear the thought of losing Monty. He’s a very caring son to them.
Monty and his wife Renee and their six children have faith and believe in the power of prayers. Dozens, maybe hundreds, of others—relatives and friends— have also been praying for him. Now we need to go beyond our prayers and help him financially as he pursues this experimental treatment. It’s his only hope.
Monty wrote, “The last two years I have been living my absolute worst nightmare. It’s been the challenge of my life, but oh what blessings and knowledge I’ve received as a result. I am definitely receiving comfort from the Lord. I have so many stories of this to tell.”
We invite you to help Monty by donating as much as you can. He is deeply gratiful to all of you for any amount you may be able to give. Let’s have this be one of the miracles in his life.
Written by Joy Saunders Lundberg (Monty’s aunt) and Janice Kapp Perry (his cousin).
Sadly, that was not the case. Monty wrote, “You may have already heard that my cancer has returned. I will give a brief run down of what is going to happen. They found a new tumor in the floor of my mouth near where I have already had surgery from the last cancer almost exactly one year ago. Because of the amount of radiation given during the last surgery I cannot have any more radiation therapy.”
Chemotherapy was also ruled out. This second surgery was even more invasive that the first, involving the removal of the floor of his mouth. He had to have a feeding tube since he could not chew or swallow, a tracheotomy, an open incision that wouldn’t heal and had to be repacked daily, and more. It was a horrendous surgery to recover from, but slowly he did. Hoping all the while it was his last.
A few months later another tumor was found in his chin and removed with far less invasion involved. Again, he hoped it was over.
But no! The tumor in his jaw returned and appeared to be spreading. This time the scans showed it was inoperable. Seeking more help Monty and his wife drove the 410 miles from their home in Vale, Oregon to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City and met with doctors there. After examining the scans they determined there was no cure. He was devastated. However, the Huntsman doctors told him about an experimental trial treatment that was being conducted that he may be a candidate for.
As it turned out he did qualify for the treatment and has chosen to pursue it. It’s an experimental immune system therapy drug, with the closest location to receive it in Spokane, Washington, over 300 miles from his home. He has to travel there every three weeks to get the treatment for two years. While the cost of the treatment is covered, other expenses are not, including travel and lost wages, both his and his wife’s since she needs to travel with him. All sick leave pay is used up. They both will keep working between treatments. Their employers are kindly allowing them to take the time off needed for the treatments, but without pay.
All of the donated money will be used for travel expenses and lost wages during the two-year treatment period.
Monty is the only living child of his parents, Darrell and Dianne Saunders, who lost their three other children. A young daughter died from causes due to severe disabilities, their other daughter in a car accident, and their youngest son from pneumonia. They are in their late 70’s and cannot bear the thought of losing Monty. He’s a very caring son to them.
Monty and his wife Renee and their six children have faith and believe in the power of prayers. Dozens, maybe hundreds, of others—relatives and friends— have also been praying for him. Now we need to go beyond our prayers and help him financially as he pursues this experimental treatment. It’s his only hope.
Monty wrote, “The last two years I have been living my absolute worst nightmare. It’s been the challenge of my life, but oh what blessings and knowledge I’ve received as a result. I am definitely receiving comfort from the Lord. I have so many stories of this to tell.”
We invite you to help Monty by donating as much as you can. He is deeply gratiful to all of you for any amount you may be able to give. Let’s have this be one of the miracles in his life.
Written by Joy Saunders Lundberg (Monty’s aunt) and Janice Kapp Perry (his cousin).
Organizer and beneficiary
Joy Lundberg
Organizer
Provo, UT
Lamont Saunders
Beneficiary
