Support a Local Family in their Battle Against Cancer

https://www.gofundme.com/larry...

Larry was diagnosed with Carcinoid Syndrome Cancer in April 2014. A CT scan identified a main cancerous tumor in his small intestine and also found 18 cancerous tumors in his liver that spread from his small intestine.

Larry is 47 years old, married to Amy for 17 years and has four amazing children - Tyler 14, Jackie 12, Austin 10, and Maggie 5.


Carcinoid Sydrome Cancer occurs when a rare cancerous tumor(s) secretes certain chemicals into your bloodstream, causing a variety of signs and symptoms.

Symptoms for Larry began in the summer of 2013. Unfortunately, Larry was initially diagnosed with IBS. With his condition steadily worsening despite medications to treat IBS, he kept seeking answers from doctors for nearly a year.

Finally at the end of April 2014, Larry had a CT scan that identified a main cancerous tumor in his small intestine and also found 18 cancerous tumors in his liver that spread from his small intestine. Larry and his family met with the oncologist to discuss treatment and were told what Larry has is very rare and incurable.

Since June 2014, in order to get the tumors under control, Larry has had monthly Chemoeombolization which delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

This procedure requires a hospital stay of 1 night and if Larry is not doing well, they will keep him another night. This treamtent leaves Larry very ill and weak and he has to take 1 week off of work to recover. Along and prior to the monthly Chemoeombolization, Larry must get a shot called Sandostatin. Yet through all of these struggles, Larry insists on returning to work asap after his monthly treatments when possible. Larry is hard working and he is a dedicated husband and father.

Monthly Chemoeombolization

In May 2015, Larry underwent a successful surgery to remove the main tumor in his small intestine. He had to be off work for 6 weeks to recover. Unfortunately, the 18 cancerous tumors remain in his liver and he will need to continue with Chemoembolization on a monthly basis indefinitely.


In October 2016, 3 growths where found outside the liver. A by growth by Larry's heart is active (cancerous), but the doctor's are more concerned about the tumors in his liver at this point in time.

In April 2017, the family met with a surgeon from University of Illinois Hospital. With this type of rare cancer, the doctor would like to take a more aggressive approach by performing a Liver Resection. Larry will need to undergo procedures prior to ensure it is safe to move forward with the Liver Resection.

Larry is scheduled to go in on May 16 at the University of Illinois Hospital to have Radiofrequency Ablation done on the liver to burn out the small tumors on the left side. Then on May 17, he will have a Portal Vein Embolization done which is a procedure that induces regrowth on one side of the liver in advance of a planned Hepatic Resection on the other side. This procedure is frequently used in primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and colorectal liver metastases. Larry will need take take 1 week off of work to recover. A month later a scan will be taken of liver to determine if surgery is possible.

If the Liver Resection is possible, it may take place in July 2017. Larry will be off of work for 6 weeks.


The funds raised through this campaign will be used to help with:

- Larry's Max Out of Pocket medical costs, which have already hit $5,500 for 2017 alone, His copays on treatments, medical prescriptions and medical bills they have accumulated since 2014.
- Over the counter meds not covered by insurance, related to GI issues, etc.
- Travel expenses to medical doctors, treatments.
- Help to cover bills when Larry needs to take off work to have monthly treatments and surgeries.
- Other things surely there are but overlooked at this point.

With much gratitude for all the kind words, prayers, meals, and countless examples of encouragement they have received thus far. While there is a natural desire to be strong, self-sufficient and to help others rather than to be helped, they are humbled and thankful for how they have seen this situation grow strong bonds between family, friends, and even former strangers.

Thank you so much for prayers and support that have been coming their way! Greatly appreciated by the Kirk family!

https://www.gofundme.com/larry...

Larry also has a Facebook page setup if you wish to follow his progress on this journey:

Facebook: Prayers for Larry

https://www.facebook.com/Praye...