Daniel Hess

On March 28th 2016, my dad’s life changed forever. My father has been a Carpenter since he was 18 years old. Recently he had been working at the Jacob Javits Center,during the New York International Auto Show, with shifts consisting of more than 14-hour days. Upon completion of the show set-up, he had spent the weekend in bed extremely sick. We decided to take him to the hospital, where he was treated for the chicken pox and pneumonia. During this hospitalization, many imaging studies were performed, including a CAT scan of his lungs that wasn’t fully clear due to the pneumonia appearing on the images.

My dad was then discharged with outpatient follow up. His condition continued to deteriorate;he underwent extensive breathing tests of which the results were devastating. He was informed that he would never be able to work again. His lungs appeared to have irreversible scarring (fibrosis), most likely caused by his occupational exposures over his substantial work history (asbestos exposure and other chemicals over the years). However, we were not given a definitive diagnosis. He was initiated on home oxygen 24/7 and started on medications that should’ve helped but ended up causing his diabetes to be severely uncontrolled. He originally injected himself with insulin once a day, but now must do it 4 times a day.

We took my dad to a different pulmonologist who specializes in scarring (or fibrosis). The first appointment was chaotic and unsuccessful because the doctor was unable to seethe images from his CAT scan. Options were discussed with use including new medications that would prevent further damage to his lungs and the requirement of a lung transplant down the road. My dad’s lungs continued to deteriorate and he was sent for another CAT scan. The results showed a mass in his lungs that drastically got bigger compared to the one seen in March (which was unmentioned to us), as well as possible tumors on his spine. He was then sent for a PET scan (shows cancerous activity throughout the body).

The results of his PET scan showed that he has a large tumor in his right lung, that spread to his lymph nodes (found throughout the body), liver, and throughout his bones. These new findings have now delayed the chance of potentially getting a lung transplant.

This past week, my father had a biopsy performed. We have yet to receive the results of it. At this time we’re looking for treatment centers accepted by our insurance.However, some of the best doctors in the tri-state area do not accept it. Even with all of these horrific things going on with his health, he has been in great spirits! Even though he is in severe pain every single day, his lung function deteriorating, and the continuous struggle to walk about the house: he continues to try and help out as much as possible. We’ve been battling with the insurance company for weeks, to try and get him a mobility scooter for when he wants to go out of the house. However, this was unsuccessful & I ended up buying him one, because he deserves to be able to go out.

At this time, he will be on oxygen 24/7 for the rest of his life, until he beats this cancer and can hopefully get onto the transplant list. He has other health issues that are worsening because of this lung issue. We are going on the fourth month of this ordeal; 4months that my dad has been out of work, and we struggle to pay the bills. He hasn’t received a dime from yet. On top of all this, my mother also broke her elbow at the beginning of June and still has not returned to work.

 At this time, every penny counts: 4 children, very little income, and extensive medical expenses. All money raised will be used towards:

[]·     Living expenses

·     Medical expenses

         o  To get the best doctors to help him fight this battle!

         o   Medications that he NEEDS to stay alive

         o   Transportation to visits

 Believe me when I say how much we hate to ask for help. We know everyone has there own struggles in life and we don't want to be a burden to anyone.  But we do need some help.  We are so appreciative to God for allowing us to make it this far.  We know that with God's continued blessing and your financial support we can beat my father, Danny’s cancer. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. If you can't donate please share and also please say a prayer for him.

Thanks for your generosity!