Jim's Fight Against Oral Cancer

1993 was a year of change we will never forget. Our family was growing, as my mom, dad, sister and I anxiously awaited the arrival of my baby brother, Jamie. An exciting surprise for my parents, he was to be born in May. It was special for all of us, but particularly my dad who would now have a fishing and racing buddy. Something in which my sister and I showed no interest. But while our family was growing and we were looking forward to our family surprise, a sinister surprise was growing too. My brother has never known my dad to be completely cancer free, because he was diagnosed with Oral Cancer shortly after my brother’s birth. I was only six at the time and my sister was four years old. Although it hasn’t stopped my dad from being the best dad he could be, he has underwent countless medical procedures throughout his battle. He has had almost ten surgeries since then, including one in which 40% of his tongue was removed along with three lymph nodes, a salivary gland and tonsil; he began radiation therapy three years ago and chemotherapy and radiation again after the surgery. He is a fighter though and even through the shock of his seeing your stout, strong father go from 250lbs to 168lbs, he remained strong in his will power. Then, in October of 2013 we celebrated a clean bill of health. We were ecstatic! To celebrate, we went on a family cruise and enjoyed his success. But it was short-lived. By February cancer again reared it’s ugly head. This time though, it came back even more aggressive. By April 2014, doctors said dad would have to have an aggressive surgery to remove the rest of his tongue, epiglottis and his jaw. They would replace his jaw with a leg bone, his tongue with a muscle from his leg and he would need to have a feeding tube and tracheotomy. We weren’t ready for this and exhausted all options in our current hospital, so we went to Chicago for a second opinion. Unfortunately, we came back defeated as they sent us back to SC and under the care of MUSC. Now we’re here. Thankfully, dad was able to keep his jaw and epiglottis, but on April 9th, they took his tongue. I will never hear my dad’s same voice again. A food lover, his jolly belly has shrunk and he’ll never again taste my mom’s home cooked meals or our special Christmas treats in the sameway that he used to. But, all is not lost. We still have him here with us. My daughter Hailey will still get to see and hug her PawPaw. She is his drive in this fight, but right now he needs back up. Please join my dad, Jim, in his next round against this horrible disease. Help us knock cancer out by showing your support and purchasing one of our t-shirts! The proceeds will go directly to my dad to usetowards living expenses and health care costs. Your help is so very much appreciated!
Love,
The Mingus & PruittFamilies ps. Something to chew on … mouth cancer will be newly diagnosed in about 115 new individuals each day in the US alone.