Madisonville, KY – A Madisonville man and friends are seeking assistance for his nephew who is suffering from a serious but treatable form of cancer.  

Richard Curtis told iSurf News that he is fond of his nephew and will do anything he can to help him.

25 year old Robert Lee Curtis II was born and raised in Madisonville.  Later in life, his parents divorced.  His father, Robert Sr., moved to Eddyville and the young Curits moved to Nashville with his mother Ruthann.

During a Thanksgiving gathering at his Grandfather's house last year, family members noticed a bump or growth on his neck.  In just a couple of months the growth had increased in size.  A check with a Vanderbilt physician revealed that he had cancer.  Quite a shock for someone so young.  But the doctor reassured the young Curtis that Hodgkin's Lymphoma is treatable.  Curtis signed up for medical assistance from Tenn-Care.  This program is a government-operated medical assistance program designed for people who are eligible for Medicaid.  However, that eligibility stopped because he was required to maintain employment but his physician recommended that he stop working while receiving
treatment.
 

After a series of treatments earlier this year, Curtis was declared to be cancer free.  However, the cancer has returned.  A biopsy was done and other test performed that revealed the cancer had spread to his chest and ribs. 

While the Chemotherapy is continuing, so are the doctor bills.  Curtis said his nephew's medical expenses include visits to his physician, the chemotherapy and future stem-cell treatment.  He said his nephew's bills are starting to pile up.  It cost $300 just for a visit to the doctor.

Curtis and two other friends, Kenneth & Kim Sarver are wanting to help.  The three are members of a local Motorcycle organization called, “Widow's Sons”  Motorcycle Riders Association.  This is an organization with-in the Masonic Organization.

The trio said they hope to raise at least $5,000 in the next few months to help pay for his nephew's medical bills and prescription medication.  The group plans to set-up a booth to sell Funnel Cakes and Deep Fried Oreos at both the Veteran's and Christmas Parade.  They are also looking at setting up bucket brigades around the county to help with their fund raising efforts.  

The group will also accept donations.  To help, contact the Widows Sons, Kentucky Grand Chapter, 9942 Hopkinsville Road, Nortonville, KY. 42442.  or 256 Race Street, Madisonville.  Again, in care of the Widows Sons.  

Curtis is the grandson of, William Whitney Curtis III & the late Patricia Ann Curtis.  Also, the late Walter & Dorthy South.

Curtis said, “I lost both my grandfather and mother to cancer and don't want to loose my nephew to the same dreaded disease.”  He also said, “ I love my nephew but feel helpless because there is treatment that can get rid of the cancer but I don't have the money to help him.”  Curtis said he wished there was a program available to people who need medical assistance but do not have or can't afford health care coverage.

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Tim Moore - News Director

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