Latest from Dan's CarePage.
March 24, 2008 at 12:21 PM EDT
Hi All,
Once again on behalf of Dan's family, thank you for your support and encouragement. It is much needed and appreciated!
Dan and his family had the consultation at Indiana University on Thursday. Much to our dismay, he will indeed need the treatment at IU as they have learned that his type of cancer is highly resistant to chemo. He does in fact have numerous lesions in his lungs and the best and only option is for Dan to proceed with this treatment.
Dan will be heading to IU on Sunday evening, his 21st birthday. Not a great way to spend a birthday! He will be in Indiana pretty much full time for the next 7 weeks or so. He will be staying on campus, rather than at the hospital; he will be admitted to the hospital if necessary. The procedure is quite involved; it will occur in two complete cycles. So once he completes cycle 1, he will get about an 8 day break, then return to IU to repeat the process.
My explanation is simply an attempt at conveying to you all what I know...bottom line is, Dan is seriously in for an intense battle; the last procedure pales in comparison to what lies ahead. Emotionally, Dan is holding strong. I am sure he is scared and frustrated, but he is digging deep to embrace that strength that makes him the Dan that we know and love.
Many of you have graciously offered your support in various ways. Because Dan is a
OSU football player, he and his entire family are linked to the rules and regulations of the NCAA. I had to ask you all to hold off a bit in order for Ohio State Football to receive the proper information and documentation from the NCAA compliance office. We now have the go-ahead from the NCAA; By the way,
OSU Football has been amazing! Puts a whole new meaning on the slogan "Go Bucks!"
The NCAA is allowing us to open an account in Dan's name that will be managed by Ohio State. [No other account is allowed based on NCAA rules.] It will be managed by Amy Burgess, Supervisor of Internal Relations,
OSU Athletic Office, and all distributions for expenses for Danny's treatment will be handled by Amy. Thank you Amy!!! So, if anyone wants to contribute, you may send a check to:
Amy Burgess
Ohio State Football, WHAC
53 Irving Schottenstein Dr
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Please write Dan Potokar on the check so that the money is allocated properly. Please note that this is not a foundation so it is not considered a charitable contribution on your taxes.
For people who have contacted me to conduct fund raising, meals, and other service needs, I have a NCAA form we need to fill out prior to starting these activities. The form is simple and I can help you with it. All monies raised on Dan's behalf have to be deposited into the
OSU account noted above. The good news is: you don't need a form to pray
. Just pray!!!
Thank you again for all of your help and for your concern. It is so needed. I will be in touch with all of you who have written to me thus far to get things moving.
Take care, and please know how grateful we are for each and every card, email, posting, contribution, and prayer!
Do not hesisitate to call me or email me with any questions or concerns. My cell is 513-265-4573; my email is
suzthomas12@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
Suzanne Thomas
[Dan's Aunt]