ABOUT US

WHY WE BEGAN:

 

Don has dedicated his life to serving not only his local community but also the state of Indiana as well as his country.  He has worked as an EMT for 16 years, a firefighter for 14 years, and has a 20 year military career, 5 years as light infantry, 8 years as mechanized infantry, and 7 years as a combat medic.

 

He has worked for several EMS services in our local community such as, Rural Metro, Eaton EMT’s, and Americare Ambulance Service.  He has been with two Volunteer Fire Services, Hamilton Township and Center Township.  He has taught several new firefighters that serve in other communities such as Muncie, Royerton, Eaton, Albany, Selma, Yorktown, etc.  He began his military career at the Winchester National Guard Armory as part of the 2-152 Bravo Company and retired from the Noblesville National Guard Armory as a combat medic.

 

On July 19, 2012, that all changed.  Don arrived at the IUBMH emergency room presenting with stroke like symptoms.  Our world was turned upside down that night.  Don was diagnosed with a grade 3-4 Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma brain tumor in the left frontal lobe of his brain, which was causing seizures, affecting his speech and his motor skills on his right side as well as his balance.

 

On July 23, 2012, Don underwent brain surgery to have the tumor removed.  After the surgery, Don had to learn how to talk again.  He began his six weeks of Radiation and Chemo to kill off the rest of the tumor that the doctors could not remove in surgery.  The type of tumor that Don has looks like an octopus.  It has a main mass and fingers that sprout from it and wrap themselves around vessels.

 

In October 2012, Don encountered a set back in receiving his chemo treatments.  He spent a week in the hospital due to several infections.  Upon returning home, Don began his six months of chemo.

 

Celebrating the milestones:

 

In November 2012, we celebrated Don’s 38th birthday as well as Thanksgiving with our entire family.  In December 2012, we were able to celebrate Christmas together.  Don and I worked together to create everyone’s gifts.  In January 2013, we celebrated New Year’s.  In March 2013, we celebrated his last chemo treatment.

 

During this time, I had to leave my job to become a full time care giver at home due to the amount of doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and VA trips to Indianapolis and Ft Wayne.  

 

July 2013, Don has physical therapy two – three times a week; MRI’s every two months and continues to be on anti-seizure medication and steroids for the reduction of swelling.

 

What we have learned:  Have a support system for the patient and the care giver.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help (easier said than done).  Be understanding and empathetic, not sympathetic.  Fight.  Never give up hope.  Don’t be afraid to show emotion.  Cry.  Always strive to prove the statistics wrong.  Amaze your doctor’s with your progress.  Smile.  Celebrate the small things in life as well as the big things.  Love.  Find ways to give back.

 

Currently, Don is doing amazing!  He still goes for routine MRI's and is still on anti-seizure medication.  However, there are others that suffer from this type of Cancer that need our support: Those that have been fighting in silence and those that do not have a place or a person to turn to.  We are turning this fundraiser into help for them.  We want to raise not only funds for these individuals and families, but awareness as well.  I am not able to remember who said it, but Knowledge is Power, and I believe that all Knowledge is worth having in regards to this disease. 

 

In closing, we want to have this day, as a day of celebration, a celebration of the fight, the journey, the education, and the support of all of our family, friends, co-workers, and our community.

 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the support you have given us.

 

With our unending gratitude and love

 

Don and Dawn Pence