Clark Eller has been battling cancer since June, 2009.  He beat throat cancer after rounds of chemo, surgeries, and painful radiation.  It was devastating, yet he fought hard and won. In November, 2014, Clark was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 47.  He had just left a start up when the news came. Once again he faced an uncertain future.  

The throat cancer returned in 2011, requiring extensive surgery.  After that, it was smooth sailing until Clark got the news of the new, advanced threat.  Fast and furious, they quickly scheduled more tests and treatments; he was staring the in the face of the brutal gauntlet once again: multiple surgeries, chemo, radiation and hormone therapy. After months of treatment, he waited for good news on the success of the therapies.  Alas, the news was grim. 

Clark's cancer had spread to the bones and lymph nodes.  After consulting with several prominent specialists, the consensus prognosis was 18 months. As is typical of the Clark we know, he attacked the cancer.  He is fighting the good fight everyday, despite the grim prognosis.  He was placed on another round of chemo, and after two rounds he ended up in a coma in ICU for several weeks.  He nearly died.  And it happened again over Christmas last year.

Now Clark is on a daily chemo regimen that has kept the cancer at bay.  He visits the Mayo Clinic twice a year for scans and so far so good.  However, the drug usually fails after the first year.  He has what is called Metastatic Hormone Resistant Prostate Cancer, invariably fatal.  Nevertheless, Clark is active when he feels ok, even finding time to counsel others newly diagnosed with this terrible disease.

This has taken an enormous toll on Clark and his family and I know he really needs help, but would never ask. People always ask what they can do for a cancer patient, often bringing food and other things when sometimes money is the real need.  Clark has lived with his wife, Kyla, in their home since 2001 and they are desperate to keep it until Clark passes. The exorbitant cost of healthcare, medications, and the high cost of living have outstripped his means; he wisely used his retirement funds to stay alive.  Sadly, he depleted those before the disease won. 

He needs help from his friends to bridge the gap between a teachers income and disability. Keeping the home is the best option as rent would be higher than his mortgage; he would struggle having to move, and it would be devastating.  Simply put, having to move would cause significant health concerns. Clark's been a friend to everyone.  Let's show him some love.

Clark is launching a blog where you can follow what's going on with him:  www.clarkscancer.com  

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