Michael's Medical Expense Fund
Donation protected
My name is Michael Ballard, husband of Jelene Ballard, Executive Director of Agape Counseling Services of West Texas, and a follower of Christ. I suspect most of you have followed me on facebook or caring bridge. If not please sign up for caring bridge and check out my journey (find under Michael Ballard) if you are interested in helping.
Story short - I was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma on October 31st, 2015. I had a nearly six inch tumor on the kidney that had spread to at least seven spots throughout both lungs. Doctor in Odessa said that his options were limited and that I could expect to live a few months to five years at maximum with what treatment he had available.
We went to MD Anderson in Houston and was welcomed with great hope in the possibility of being eligible for a clinical trial. As God would have it, we were accepted for this immunotherapy clinical trial. The catch is that we had to commit to travel to Houston for every procedure (biopsy, surgery, etc..) and additionally commit to travel every two weeks for treatment for this two year clinical trial.
We have surgery on Tuesday, February 23rd to remove the tumor, kidney, adrenal glands and local lymph nodes. The money raised will help us cover our out-of-pocket expenses for the surgery, travel, lodging and meals for 12 to 14 day stay in Houston.
As you would guess, an ask of this magnitude is quite humbling. I have been honored in you following me, praying for me, and encourgaing me. I trust if you give, it is out of a desire to bless me and Jelene. I trust God will bless you in your gift. I am grateful for the prayers and will be grateful for anything you may send our way.
Grace and Peace in Christ,
Michael T.
Story short - I was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma on October 31st, 2015. I had a nearly six inch tumor on the kidney that had spread to at least seven spots throughout both lungs. Doctor in Odessa said that his options were limited and that I could expect to live a few months to five years at maximum with what treatment he had available.
We went to MD Anderson in Houston and was welcomed with great hope in the possibility of being eligible for a clinical trial. As God would have it, we were accepted for this immunotherapy clinical trial. The catch is that we had to commit to travel to Houston for every procedure (biopsy, surgery, etc..) and additionally commit to travel every two weeks for treatment for this two year clinical trial.
We have surgery on Tuesday, February 23rd to remove the tumor, kidney, adrenal glands and local lymph nodes. The money raised will help us cover our out-of-pocket expenses for the surgery, travel, lodging and meals for 12 to 14 day stay in Houston.
As you would guess, an ask of this magnitude is quite humbling. I have been honored in you following me, praying for me, and encourgaing me. I trust if you give, it is out of a desire to bless me and Jelene. I trust God will bless you in your gift. I am grateful for the prayers and will be grateful for anything you may send our way.
Grace and Peace in Christ,
Michael T.
Organizer
Michael T. Ballard
Organizer
Odessa, TX
