A young man’s battle with cancer may be taking him to Indiana for specialized surgery.
inSide Drumheller brought readers Brandon Hall’s story in its October 16, 2015 edition. The young man, who completed his junior high and part of his high school in Drumheller, was visiting the valley for Thanksgiving, when his mother took him to the family doctor because he wasn’t feeling well. This was the beginning of his battle.
Doctors discovered a mass in his abdomen, testicular cancer and lesions on his lungs. One mass was removed and he began chemotherapy treatments.
Since then, the community has rallied to support Brandon and his family. His aunt started a Gofundme page, and local families, friends acquaintances has shown their support. A group of elementary school students from St. Anthony’s raised more than $500 alone selling hand made rubber bracelets.
His mother Crystal Hall tells The Mail that his battle continues. So far, the cancer has been resistant to the chemotherapy and it appears that surgery is the only option.
“It was after the chemo they did a follow-up CT scan and found that nothing had shrunk, and that it has spread,” Crystal said.
Brandon still has the large mass in his abdomen and two spots in his pelvis that can be removed through one surgery, and they are looking at making arrangements to have it removed in Calgary.
At the same time, there are more than 100 nodes on his lungs that also require surgery.
“That is the one we have been told we have to go to Indiana to have treated,” said Chrystal. “We don’t know when we have to travel to Indiana, but I was told we have to get his passport today.”
“If they can’t get the doctors together here to get the other surgery done, they may do both down there.”
Right now, they are just waiting.
This ordeal has hit the family hard, and while it appears Brandon’s surgery is covered by Alberta Health Services, they are waiting to hear whether there are funds for a parent to accompany him.
Crystal is very appreciative for all the support they have received.
“I have been brought to tears many time by the support we have been given,” she said.
The Gofundme campaign is still active to support the family as they support Brandon’s battle with cancer. To support, go to https://www.gofundme.com/fh696fz3
