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This site originated and is maintained by M.D.Yates
THE DONNIE FRITTS HOME PAGE
www.savingfacewithfaith.com
Personal message from Donnie Fritts
My wife and I would like to thank you for coming to this site to read our story.
I had been suffering GREATLY due to 3 tumors- stage 4 cancer that were eating away my bones and flesh in my face.The problem was.., no one knew that I had cancer, I was diagnosed with "just" sinus trouble by several doctors.
The pain started in Feb, 2002 and started us on a long, long journey with a cancer that was not detected until Dec. It was an extremely hard time for us.
I was diagnosed with, "Ameloblastic Carcinoma" on Dec., 23, 2003. In Aug, 2004 Dr. Moore and Dr. Olsen and Dr. Losken sawed my head from ear to ear and removed my face. Then they removed the tumors along with my nose, the roof of my mouth, my top lip, my forehead, lots of facial bones and part of my brain.
I was supposed to lose my lymph nodes, have a skin graft from my leg done and lose my left eye. On the day of surgery the Dr.s told Sharon and I that I had to lose BOTH eyes. I believe that faith and prayer prevented that.
I often tell people that "I" was the one who went through the windshield in this wreck with cancer but my wife was and continues to be with me. She is faithful and is my helpmeet in every sense of the word.
We want to thank everyone that has prayed for us, sent a card, e-mail, or anything you have done, for the words of comfort that have helped us make it up to this time. What you have done has helped SO MUCH MORE than you realize! There are no words to tell you how much we appreciate your concern and kindness! Thank you, thank you SO much!
Thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses who have helped me and who have encouraged Sharon and myself.
We pray for everyone that comes to this site! God bless you as you read what God can do in spite of cancer or any other thing that tries to destroy your life.
Due to insufficient funds, the cancer fund has been permanently closed. There has been a new fund opened at the church where Donnie and Sharon attend.
All donations should be sent to Barrett Road Benevolence Fund c/o Eleanor Silvers ----172 Brian Dr. , Calhoun, Ga 30701 PLEASE remember to put Donnie Fritts medical expenses at the bottom of your check or money order.
This fund is is only to be used for Donnie's expenses if specified on the check, money order or envelope that cash is sent in.
You will recieve a statement at the end of the year for tax purposes.
If you need to contact Ms. Silvers please call (706)629-5469 form 11am to 8pm.
NEW news on the "Updates" page!!!!!!!!!
Below are some photos of Donnie before and after surgery: Click on Photo page to view more photographs.
On August 21, 2003, Donnie had surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and bones due to Ameloblastic Carcinoma, a very rare form of cancer. Donnie lost much of his face due to the surgery.
Donnie has been undergoing reconstuctive surgeries and procedures and will be fitted with magnetic prosthetic devices.
Mr.Robert Barron http://www.prosthesis.com , an Anaplastologist, will be working closely with Dr. Singer, http://www.michaelsingerdds.com , Dr. Dufresne, http://www.cdufresnemd.com and Dr. Ross to develop a customized, realistic AND FUNCTIONAL prosthesis for Donnie.
Donnie's forehead has been relplaced, the one that Emory Hospital put in started falling out. Dr. Dufresne repaired that area , filled in gaps, fixed Donnie's left eye and made a lip for him as well.
He will have a roof of the mouth with teeth. There will be bars put in his facial area to fill out the shrunken places. Once all of this is completed, then Mr. Robert Barron will be fitting him for a prosthetic nose.
Each surgery costs a lot.The costs are outragious! Each Doctor operates from his own hospital and/or office. They are billed by the doctor and the office for each procedure. The work they do is amazing and difficult..There was so much of Donnie's face removed.
The Fritts' family thank you for your generosity and kindness during this very trying time in their lives.
Please help us raise the funds needed! This cost is IN ADDITION to surgeries, office visits, travel, certain medications, etc.
More will be needed for travel, hospital visits, office visits, dental work, transportation expense, food and lodging expense and misc. expenses not covered by medicaid or medicare or disability.
This will be an ongoing fight against cancer! Donnie WILL feel like a "NORMAL" person again! He says that it is not something he wants to LOOK better, though he will, it is so he can breath easier, not have to wear a paper mask everytime he leaves the house.
Donnie is subjected to every pollutant as he has nothing to filter the air like we do. He needs his face to just function normally.
Please help us get this done!!!
Thank you for helping us give Donnie his hope and his face back!
Donnie and Sharon Fritts will have no access to the account. The money will be paid out of the fund by 2 board members. All money for each bill accrued, for each trip, insurance payments, medicines that aren't covered by insurance will be paid as the funds come in.
Contact Donnie and Sharon by e-mail at fritts57@hotmail.com
Donnie and Sharon Fritts
207 Hunts Dr.
Calhoun, GA 30701
(706) 629-1899
God bless you!!
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