This spring, my dad, Charlie, was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma on his left shoulder. On April 11, he underwent surgery to remove the skin cancer along with an affected lymph node, leaving him with wounds on both the top and bottom of his arm. After the surgery, he began immunotherapy treatments, and thankfully, his wounds healed well.
Not long after surgery, however, Charlie began experiencing pressure and discomfort under his left arm. What was first believed to be a blood clot or fluid buildup developed into a large tumor. Because of the tumor's size, his prior surgery, and a hospitalization in July for blood clots in his lungs, his medical team has had to carefully consider the best treatment path forward.
Just this week, we received encouraging news: the cancer appears to be isolated to the tumor under his arm and has not spread elsewhere in his body. Charlie is now being referred to a specialized surgical team in Milwaukee, WI, to explore treatment options.
Since the spring, Charlie has been unable to work due to his health. His older daughter, Jessica, has been staying home full-time to help care for him. His wife, JoEllen, has continued working to help support the family, but with upcoming travel, and everyday expenses adding up, we are now humbly asking for help.
Your support will go directly toward travel expenses, lodging, and household bills while we navigate this next phase of Charlie’s care. His first appointment in Milwaukee may be as soon as next week, and we are still waiting on many answers from the medical team there.
I (Laura, Charlie’s younger daughter) will continue to update this page as we learn more. Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
