Trials and Tribulations

Angela didn’t have time to despair. She decided to find out all she could about treatment options. First, she took Doug to Huntsman Cancer Institute, which was in their area. Unfortunately, the local oncologists could only do so much. The quality of Doug’s life deteriorated from the aggressive treatment. 

“We started out with heavy chemotherapy,” said Doug, “then did surgery and radiation and more chemotherapy. Over the course of eight years, I’ve only had two clean scans.” He added, “It has been a long time fighting this.”

Angela then found out about a clinical trial that could save Doug’s life. But this trial came with a tribulation. It was in New York City, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - almost 2,000 miles away from their home in Utah. 

“We would be responsible for food and housing expenses, which would take much of our savings,” said Angela. “If the trial worked, we would have to stay in New York for months, which would require more money.” With the expenses piling up, getting to treatment seemed impossible. 

Solving An Impossible Problem 

But all hope was not lost for Doug. The problem was possible to solve after all – thanks to Mercy Medical Angels!  Mercy Medical Angels arranged a free flight on Southwest for Doug and Angela. 



“The flights to New York were great,” said Doug. “Southwest was very kind and let us pre-board with my oxygen machine. All of the staff were kind and professional, and we even made a friend on the way!” 

Once he was in in New York, Doug received the clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. It improved his quality of life and put the cancer in remission. After a few months, he was able to fly back home with Angela – and start his life anew. 

"We Are Profoundly Grateful..."

Doug is now back home in Utah with his family, and is doing much better. He can enjoy his life without worrying about the threat of DSRCT. Also, he no longer has to deal with the side effects of near-constant cancer treatments. 

“Mercy Medical Angels and Southwest allowed us to focus our resources on where we needed it the most,” said Doug. “We are profoundly grateful for all the assistance they give!”