It’s been just over a week since my last update, and in that short time, my world has seen some major changes. This road is not easy, but every step I take feels lighter because of the love, prayers, and support so many of you continue to give me.
A Whisper of Hope
As many of you know, my five-hour surgery and 70 rounds of radiation left lasting damage to the vagus nerve, the body’s largest nerve. That damage weakened my left vocal cord and left it slightly out of alignment, which is why my voice has sounded so rough and broken. Recently, I began working with a speech therapist, and together we’ve started targeted exercises to rebuild strength in my vocal cords. There is a spark of good news—my voice is slowly beginning to return. Every word I’m able to speak feels like a small victory. Still, I’m reminded daily that my voice isn’t strong enough for my work. In my career as an IT Leader and Project Manager, I’m expected to run meetings, deliver verbal program updates, and present to senior leadership. Right now, those demands are far beyond what my recovering voice can handle. However, I believe that through hard work and persistence, my voice will grow stronger and I will recover in the future.
Social Security Disability Roadblock
Another update: I finally received word from Social Security. Based on my medical records, I do qualify for disability. But here’s the heartbreaking part—they require a five-month waiting period before benefits can begin. That means I won’t see my first payment until January 2026. For a family living through stage 4 cancer, that is a very long wait.
Many of you have already given, prayed, and shared my story—and for that I am endlessly grateful. Because of the 5-month wait for disability benefits, your support truly bridges the gap. If you are able to give again, or even just share my GoFundMe with your friends and communities, it would mean the world to me and my family.
💛 Here is the link to support my cancer treatments:
👉 https://gofund.me/b1526b38
Thanks to your donations, I have now completed 15 rounds of high-dose IV Vitamin C infusions. These treatments are helping me in ways I can truly feel—giving me energy, reducing inflammation, and strengthening my fight. Research is clear about their potential, and I’m so grateful to be able to continue them because of you. For those who want to delve deeper into the science, I have written an article on High-Dose IV Vitamin C.
Building Stamina, One Step at a Time
I’ve also been working on regaining my stamina. Last Thursday, Gregory and I spent the evening together at the Minnesota State Fair. We walked for hours, weaving through the crowds, taking in the smells of fried food, and the sounds of laughter and music all around us. We ate corn dogs and onion rings, savoring every bite like it was a feast. We rode high above the fairgrounds on the skyride, looking out over the glowing lights and bustling midway. We even braved the haunted house, both of us laughing as much as we jumped at the surprises inside. By the end of the night, my body was completely exhausted, but my heart was overflowing. These are the moments I live for, the memories I treasure, and the reason I keep fighting.
Morning Sunshine, Morning Strength
Many of you know that morning sunshine therapy has become part of my daily routine. I even created a new video, Morning Sunshine Fights Cancer, where I share how something as simple as the sun’s rays can make a huge difference in cancer resilience. Even if you eat fatty fish, egg yolks, and liver, your diet barely contributes to 10% of the vitamin D3 your body needs. That is why your body and the sun must work together to create 90% of the vitamin D you need through sunshine. Proper vitamin D levels can reduce your risk of cancer by 36%. Sadly, most Americans are deficient, and I want to spread the word about the power of sunshine.
Hope in a Syringe: Botox Treatments
And just this Friday, I received approval for Botox treatments to help with my cervical dystonia—painful muscle spasms caused by radiation and surgery damage. Doctors injected the Botox directly into my neck to relax those damaged muscles and calm my nerves. It’s not a cure, but it offers a little more hope, and right now, hope is priceless. I’ve shared more about this in my article: How is Botox used for Cervical Dystonia?.
Holding On to Hope
This path is filled with pain, setbacks, and uncertainty—but it is also filled with love, hope, and faith. Every sunrise reminds me that God isn’t finished with me yet. I’m not giving up. I still have so much to fight for. Every treatment, every prayer, every hug, and every act of kindness gives me another reason to keep pushing forward.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you. You’re helping me fight not just for survival, but for life.
With love, faith, and gratitude,
Wayne
Help me keep fighting—your gift brings hope and relief from crushing medical debt.