Gary Welter

Gary was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal cancer in January, 2016.  He endured chemotherapy and radiation in February-March, with the intent to shrink the tumor and have surgery to remove the affected area of his esophagus.  His original surgery date was scheduled in June.  It was postponed several times, as he continued to struggle recovering from the chemotherapy and was unable to gain enough weight to withstand the surgery.  On August 31st, he was admitted to Kaiser.  Over the next two weeks, it was determined that his tumor had regrown and become large enough to block his esophagus almost entirely, and that the cancer had spread to his stomach.  He has an NG tube for feeding, and is now at home receiving hospice care.  We will use this site to update family and friends as he journeys through this next phase, and to let you know when he can see visitors.  Thank you to everyone who has been supporting him and our family through this.  We couldn't get through it all without you.