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Teaming up to help ex-football standout
Local fundraiser to benefit area man with cancerDate published: 2/14/2008 By Flowers Umble BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLEAs a defensive tackle, Andre Catlett has battled his share of tough offensive linemen. For nearly eight years, he's been fighting something even tougher: a group of tumors that paralyzed the member of the 1996 James Monroe High School football state champs. The struggle isn't cheap. When he went through two rounds of chemotherapy, Catlett took anti-nausea prescriptions that cost $500 each. Since doctors found tumors in his lungs when he was 20, Catlett has had five surgeries and has another on the way. Even with insurance, Catlett owes tens of thousands of dollars. "The biggest part of recovering from cancer is to be stress-free," he said. "And it's hard to be stress-free when you owe $20,000 or $30,000." A local charity group hopes to help Catlett with some of those costs. The Crusaders, a Christian motorcycle club, will donate proceeds from its Valentine's Day dance to Catlett's cancer fund. Catlett is a friend of a friend, said Leon Pratt, club president. And the group often holds events to raise money for individuals and groups. Catlett said The Crusaders and others who've helped are a blessing to a cancer patient. In December, Catlett, a special events promoter, held a gospel concert that raised $5,000 for his medical bills. Hundreds attended the event at Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) in Fredericksburg. A few weeks later on Jan. 8, Catlett spent the morning chasing his young stepdaughter around the house. By that evening, he couldn't walk. An 8-pound tumor pressing on his spine had compressed vertebrae in his spine. Catlett had been trying to raise money for a risky surgery to remove that tumor. Doctors feared the surgery would leave him paralyzed. Catlett, who also played college and semipro football, was worried about that, too. Once he lost the ability to walk, the surgery was moved up. Catlett had the procedure at Georgetown University Hospital on Jan. 10. After surgery, he woke up able to move his feet. He was euphoric. Now that he's had the large tumor removed, he still faces surgery to remove other tumors on his lungs. Doctors tell him this surgery could kill him. "Anytime somebody's telling you it's life threatening, it's going to worry you a little bit," said Catlett, but he's determined to have the surgery.
Date published: 2/14/2008
STAY ENCOURAGED!
(posted by
Vocalz
, Feb. 14, 2008 10:21 am)
Andre,
Just wanted to let you know that god has your back throughout this entire process. By his strips you are healed! Stay encouraged! Study his word! God will give you the desires of your heart. Love Ya! You will be just fine. Contuinue to be blessed! VOCALZ
KEEP FIGHTING
(posted by
mlc212
, Feb. 14, 2008 7:19 am)
Hey I just wanted to send a word of encouragement. Keep your head up you are still young and seem to be very strong. Good Luck with your upcoming surgeries I will keep you in my prayers. I lost my Father almost five years ago to cancer it was right after my eighteenth birthday. That was really hard for me. Just don't stop fighting. Don't give up your family needs you just as much as you need them. May GOD TRULY BLESS YOU and you family. All my prayers, love, and strength.
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