Over the past couple of months, Dale and his family noticed his health starting to deteriorate. Dale’s energy levels, appetite, ability to sleep, etc., all started to take a hit. The decision was made that Dale would travel to Utah to see a doctor the first week of June. At his initial doctor appointment, tests were run, and he returned back to his daughter’s home in Utah to wait for results. A couple of days went by, and his wife April traveled back home to Ketchikan, intending to reunite after he started to be treated for, what was at the time, an unknown illness. Unfortunately, a few days after his initial appointment and the day after April returned home, his health took a turn.
On Monday, June 9, Dale was rushed to the ER. Fatigue was extremely high, and his blood pressure was critically low. Almost immediately, he had a team of a dozen medical professionals working with him, running tests, and making him comfortable. During the following days, as test results came back, we learned that Dale has stage IV colon cancer (adenocarcinoma) that metastasized to his liver. Not only is Dale currently fighting the cancer, but he is also experiencing kidney failure and an infection in his blood. Given the combination of ailments Dale is facing, he’s not a candidate at this time for chemotherapy treatments. Decisions are still being made as to how to move forward.
Although his health is down, his sense of humor is still up. Those who know Dale will recognize his usual facial expressions, his laugh, and his jokes.
Our hope is that we can lift some of the burden from his wife, April. She’s going through so much at this time, and while there’s a lot we can’t do, we can help take some of the financial burden from her. Any contributions would be appreciated, and please, continue to send good energy Dale’s way.
