FEATURED TESTIMONIAL

DUANE F.

After experiencing severe pain in my ribs and undergoing several specialized tests (PET scans of my entire body as well as an MRI of my brain), I was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer that had spread to my bones; (ribs, shoulders, collar bone, hips, and spine). Cancer was also evident in my lungs, and brain. I enlisted the help of the most recommended cancer centers in the east, Dana-Farber in Boston. My oncologist there brought together a team of specialists from Massachusetts General, Brigham Women’s, and of course the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Because the cancer was so well established throughout all these areas of my body, the team could not recommend chemo of radiation to treat the cancer. At that time, I was given 6-8 weeks to live.
Friends, family, and even complete strangers began praying for God to intervene and bring about a miracle to save my life. Of course, I did a lot of praying to God as well. I’m not sure how but my faith in His ability to bring forth a miracle began to grow. I was not afraid to die, I’d just hoped to see more of my family and friends before I passed.
My oncologist at Dana-Farber suggested that we could try a new immunotherapy that was being used with some success with melanoma patients. It would involve monthly intravenous infusions of a combination of two immunotherapy drugs. I immediately agreed to give it a try. I figured at the very least the specialists could learn something from my experience, regardless of the outcome. Shortly after arriving home from Boston that first infusion landed me in the emergency room of the Glens Falls Hospital. I was in really poor shape then, super weak from the cancer. My reaction to the immunotherapy compounded my poor condition. I had lost about 20 pounds by this time. I truly doubted that I was going to make it out of there alive. I eventually regained enough strength to go home. That was 2 ½ years ago.
Within a few months, new PET and MRI scans began to reveal that some of my cancer sites had started to shrink. The cancer sites in my brain were scheduled to receive radiation, but they actually began to disappear. My brain cancer doctor in Boston stated that I’m his first patient whose brain cancer had resolved with the use of immunotherapy. There were a few stubborn cancer sites that required surgery. A small portion of my right kidney was removed, (this is where it all started), and a portion of my large intestine was removed.
My oncologist is truly amazed by my progress, he states that I have “No evidence of cancer.” Because my doctors cannot explain the positive results of my situation. I presently still go to Boston every three months for new PET and MRI scan to evaluate my progress. Because of the unheard-of progress my body was experiencing at beating cancer, it was decided that I could stop the monthly immunotherapy infusions at the two-year mark. That was June 2022.
We just got home from Boston today from the most recent set of PET and MRI scans. Results: “No evidence of cancer.” And he is still amazed that I was standing there talking to him, reflecting on my condition 2 ½ years earlier.
Before leaving Boston today I stopped at the Bio-Bank to donate three vials of my blood for research purposes. As I was leaving, I made a point of speaking to the attending hematologist. I explained my cancer journey and asked her to be sure and give my blood a good look to try to find out why I’m still alive. Throughout all of this I’ve felt the need to help others, and I truly feel that God can give us the tools that we need to combat this awful disease. All we have to do is believe, and ask.

Duane Finch, Newcomb Fire Department

FEATURED TESTIMONIAL

PETE H.

Thank you to believe NNY, because of your support during my days of cancer and recovery I am still able to pursue my bucket list and got to meet my newest grandson, born in December 2022. And enjoy all my grand children.

PETE HOYT, PIERRPONT FIRE DPET.

FEATURED TESTIMONAL

LAWRENCE HALL JR.

As a member of the West Carthage Fire Department, I would like to personally thank Believe NNY for the assistance that they have given to some 8 of our members that have suffered some type of debilitating disease. Without their help, some of our members would have been hit with serious medical bills and without the help provided by Believe it may have caused a very bad situation to become worse. Unfortunately, we have lost a few of the recipients but after speaking with the families they were very thankful for the concern that was given, not to mention the visits made to them and always the compassion showed them. I may be part of the organization, but as a fellow Fire Fighter I know first-hand how something like Believe NNY can help and be a little comfort for them. If you see it in your heart, please click that Donate button on this site and help us help more.

LAWRENCE HALL JR.

WEST CARTHAGE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.