Cancer Patient Gets Life-Saving Surgery with Internet’s Help
These days, you can crowd-fund any type of project on the Internet -- even a brain cancer treatment.
In 2001, Hunter Davis was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma multiforme, a vicious and hard-to-treat form of brain cancer. He was given 18 months to live.
Two years later, and after several surgeries and chemotherapy sessions, Davis, 26, is alive and happily married. His cancer, though, has returned, along with some more bad news.
Just when he found out that he needed another surgery to remove some of his tumor regrowth, Davis' state-provided health insurance was ending because it didn't meet income eligibility. Not only could he not afford the surgery, he didn't know how he would afford to pay for his seizure medication.
Though Davis is eligible for Medicaid, it wouldn't start until February 1. He couldn't wait that long to receive his surgery or take his medication.
In mid-November, Davis started a GoFundMe.com page hoping to receive $3,000 from friends, family and strangers. After his story aired on KGW Channel 8, the power and empathy of the Internet showed its face -- donations poured in, and he ended up raising more than $7,000.
"Thank you everybody for your out of this world support!" he wrote on his GoFundMe.com page. "I have officially stopped accepting donations as I've more than exceeded my goal! I can't really put into words how grateful I am for you beautiful people!"
Apparently, having your story go viral gets the attention of people in power - Davis was recently contacted by an Oregon state representative who informed him he could sign up again for state insurance.
Hunter's surgery is scheduled for December 3. He says he'll use any additional donations to help pay for the cost of medications and treatments that will keep him healthy. "There are no words that can express my gratitude justifiably," he wrote. "I vow to pay it forward and help those in need."
More of the Good News:
This Athlete Won't Let Cancer Slow Her Down
9-Year-Old with Cancer Becomes Youngest Member of College Gymnastics Team
Community Comes Together to Host Wedding for Cancer Patient's Parents
