Donnie Fritts was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ameloblastic Carcinoma, on December 23, 2002.
Three, stage four tumors, along with his forehead, part of frontal lobe, nose, upper palate, top lip and all of the center of his face was removed in August of 2003 during a 12 hour surgery.
He finished 36 rounds of radiation in November of 2003.
Reconstruction started in 2005. Dr. Craig Dufresne, Dr. Michael T. Singer, Dr. David Ross and Mr. Robert Barron decided what each would do and started Donnie on the journey to become whole.
A new face was made in 2009. Dr. Michael Singer along with Dr. Ross and Mr. Barron created a bar to hold a working upper palate and Mr. Barron created a prosthetic nose. Dr. Dorsey Van Horn of Calhoun, Ga repaired all of the damage to the bottom teeth due to lack of saliva because of radiation damage. Dr. Cynthia Brown continues to care for Donnie's medical needs.
The whole face "failed" in 2010. The metal bar broke. Some of the facial implants failed. The nose didn't fit at all because of the changes in the bar and teeth.
Donnie contracted 4 infections in his face in 2011. He was admitted to a hospital in Rome, GA for surgery to remove the infection and then sent to Calhoun, GA for a 2 week stay in the hospital there. He was then sent home with a PICC-line and several more weeks of antibiotics and hyperbaric therapy.
Donnie, though hopeful, found himself in so much pain that he couldn't function as he could before cancer. He steadily became more depressed as the painful days continued.
Another new face was created for Donnie in 2012.
The face failed in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Donnie doesn't have enough bone to support the prosthetic and since he is high risk for infection, is not a candidate for a transplant.
Dr. Michael T. Singer created a working, permanent prosthetic upper palate that allows Donnie the ability to enjoy a soft diet without having to "chew" with his fingers and has created a nose that covers less of Donnie's face.
Dr. Dorsey Van Horn worked hard on the lower jaw so that it would be easier for Dr. Singer to create the working, prosthetic upper palate.
The first nose created by Mr. Robert Barron, in 2009, was a masterpiece, but failed. Without proper airflow, and profuse sweating, the area became inflamed, painful and then several infections set in.
The second nose he created covers too much of Donnie's face and while looking fantastic, it was very uncomfortable to wear for longer than a few minutes. Donnie's face got very red, chaffed and sweats profusely under the mask. The moisture set a stage for more infections.
Donnie was recently diagnosed with an adverse reaction to the radiation therapy. There is a chance that Donnie could lose his bottom teeth and lower jaw without further intensive treatment .
Life for Donnie is painful and hard but worth fighting for. He continues to fight for life
The reconstruction continues, thank you for helping make this possible!
Donnie and Sharon appreciate your interest in their story
Three, stage four tumors, along with his forehead, part of frontal lobe, nose, upper palate, top lip and all of the center of his face was removed in August of 2003 during a 12 hour surgery.
He finished 36 rounds of radiation in November of 2003.
Reconstruction started in 2005. Dr. Craig Dufresne, Dr. Michael T. Singer, Dr. David Ross and Mr. Robert Barron decided what each would do and started Donnie on the journey to become whole.
A new face was made in 2009. Dr. Michael Singer along with Dr. Ross and Mr. Barron created a bar to hold a working upper palate and Mr. Barron created a prosthetic nose. Dr. Dorsey Van Horn of Calhoun, Ga repaired all of the damage to the bottom teeth due to lack of saliva because of radiation damage. Dr. Cynthia Brown continues to care for Donnie's medical needs.
The whole face "failed" in 2010. The metal bar broke. Some of the facial implants failed. The nose didn't fit at all because of the changes in the bar and teeth.
Donnie contracted 4 infections in his face in 2011. He was admitted to a hospital in Rome, GA for surgery to remove the infection and then sent to Calhoun, GA for a 2 week stay in the hospital there. He was then sent home with a PICC-line and several more weeks of antibiotics and hyperbaric therapy.
Donnie, though hopeful, found himself in so much pain that he couldn't function as he could before cancer. He steadily became more depressed as the painful days continued.
Another new face was created for Donnie in 2012.
The face failed in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Donnie doesn't have enough bone to support the prosthetic and since he is high risk for infection, is not a candidate for a transplant.
Dr. Michael T. Singer created a working, permanent prosthetic upper palate that allows Donnie the ability to enjoy a soft diet without having to "chew" with his fingers and has created a nose that covers less of Donnie's face.
Dr. Dorsey Van Horn worked hard on the lower jaw so that it would be easier for Dr. Singer to create the working, prosthetic upper palate.
The first nose created by Mr. Robert Barron, in 2009, was a masterpiece, but failed. Without proper airflow, and profuse sweating, the area became inflamed, painful and then several infections set in.
The second nose he created covers too much of Donnie's face and while looking fantastic, it was very uncomfortable to wear for longer than a few minutes. Donnie's face got very red, chaffed and sweats profusely under the mask. The moisture set a stage for more infections.
Donnie was recently diagnosed with an adverse reaction to the radiation therapy. There is a chance that Donnie could lose his bottom teeth and lower jaw without further intensive treatment .
Life for Donnie is painful and hard but worth fighting for. He continues to fight for life
The reconstruction continues, thank you for helping make this possible!
Donnie and Sharon appreciate your interest in their story
TO DONATE to this 501(c)(3) account
E. Silvers
431 Mount Vernon Drive
Calhoun, GA 30701
Make check payable to Barrett Rd COG Benevolence Fund/Donnie Fritts
ALL donations are for Medical and medically related expenses. This money DOES NOT go to Donnie or Sharon Fritts.
E. Silvers
431 Mount Vernon Drive
Calhoun, GA 30701
Make check payable to Barrett Rd COG Benevolence Fund/Donnie Fritts
ALL donations are for Medical and medically related expenses. This money DOES NOT go to Donnie or Sharon Fritts.
|
DONATE ONLINE
www.gofundme.com/donniefrittsMTC Please contact E. Silvers at elesilvers@att.net for a 501(c)(3) receipt 
|
To contact Donnie and Sharon
fritts57@hotmail.com 
|
