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Ray's Medical Fund

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Hello my name is Sean Tatge. You know my dad as Ray Tatge or Driver Ray. I'm doing this for my dad because he wouldn't know where to start if he did it himself. Asking for help has never been one of his better traits. My dad has always been the guy in the neighborhood to help anyone who needed a hand, and  even if you didn't go to him,  he would show up on your door step to see what he could do to help if he found out you had a problem. He's always been one to stop for people on the side of the road or respond to crys for help. This is just who he is and has always been. 
Just recently we learned he has stage four throat cancer. Stage four because on top of being an aggressive cancer, it went untreated for 8 months by his Dr. because he was treating his illness as if it was allergies. Supraglottis Larynx Carcinoma is what it's called and it's a tough one by all accounts and research. He and Mom were going to figure it out as they go, but this just keeps getting worse with each new doctor and new procedure, and it is starting to be overwhelming. We learned yesterday that because of the issues surrounding radiation and what happens to the bone structure and jaw strength during the radiation treatment, that all of his teeth must be removed before any chemo or radiation treatment can begin. If not, there is a possibility of crushing facial bones and the jaw during repair of dental issues. Friday they did a petscan to make sure the cancer had not spread, since the cancer was advanced and because it had already hit the limph nodes. Well, there's a spot in his left lung and if it's cancer, it needs to be treated at the same time as his throat. Biopsy will confirm this next week. The funds from this, if successful, will help to pay for both radiation and chemo therapy, tests up to this point, removal of his teeth before radiation can begin, and some alternative treatments that we have been blessed to be pointed to. The next few months will be tough, with dental work, radiation, chemo, feeding bags and lots of driving...5 days a week at 60 miles a day to and from his treatments. Your donations will help us get through it.
My dad's a fighter and I've never seen him quit anything. He's got four granddaughters that I know he plans to see grown up and married. He's not ready to give up. My family and I are hoping that with a little help and alot of love he can beat this. Some of his friends asked how to send money and one suggested a gofundme account so here we are. We think it helps to account for anything recieved and or spent for anyone's need to know. 
A little hope and a prayer... hoping that those that can, will find a way to help and those that a donation would be a burden, will send a prayer. Every dollar helps and puts him closer to getting healthy again. One way or another we plan to hold on to our dad a while longer. Thank you in advance for both your help and especially your prayers.
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Donations 

  • Bryan Bransky
    • $50 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Driver Ray
Organizer
Sahuarita, AZ
Ray tatge
Beneficiary

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