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7/10/2010 1:00:00 PM
'I claim victory' - Stanton man with face cancer now under care of hospice
Elisabeth Waldon
Staff Writer
STANTON - Daniel Falconer Rudd's faith has not faltered.
The 26-year-old Stanton man was diagnosed in April 2008 with rhabdomyosarcoma, also known as high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, a disease in which cancerous cells grow in muscle tissue. He's been through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and in February he underwent another major surgery to remove a tumor and reconstruct his face. By April, the Lakeview High School graduate was doing well and hoping for the best.
Rudd's surgery took 18 hours at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Doctors removed the left side of his face, including around his eye and half of his nose and mouth, and replaced everything with a skin graft from his thigh. They also removed his teeth and the roof of his mouth and put new muscle in the roof of his mouth.
Rudd then was able to return home to Stanton, where he lives with his father, Harlow Rudd. Despite the loss of his teeth, Rudd was able to talk, albeit with some difficulty. He attended Greenville Community Church and enjoyed getting out.
But by June, the cancer had spread again. Rudd underwent three days of chemo from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - an exhausting process with many unpleasant side effects.
But the chemo didn't work. Rudd has been sent home to his father, along with a nurse from Great Lakes Hospice. Doctors have said there is nothing more they can do.
"We were devastated that day the doctors told us the news," Rudd said. "So I looked to the Lord for strength and peace. And I know that my God is the only God that can change the facts and I still know God is in control and miracles still happen. Satan is the lord of fear and I will not let fear consume me. I'm confident that whatever becomes of this that nothing has been or will be done in vain. I claim victory no matter the circumstance."
Rudd's grandmother, Mary Ellen Rudd of Crystal and Florida, said Rudd is in a lot of pain and has good days and bad days.
"He wants everyone to know God is faithful and we can trust him, even when it seems there is no way," she said.
Rudd recently wrote a letter to update friends and family about his condition. He he remains thankful for all the Lord has done for him over the past two and a half years.
"He has brought me closer to him than I ever was," Rudd said. "I thank him for all of you who have taken part in crying out to him in prayer with me. I know Jesus has heard every single one. I have claimed victory over this cancer in Jesus' name since it has returned. And I still have faith in Christ that I will have victory through healing here or in heaven."
Anyone wishing to contact Rudd, may call him at (989) 352-7080 or write to him at 2500 N. Greenville Road, Stanton, Mich. 48888.
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Posted: Friday, July 16, 2010
Article comment by:
Church member Eldridge
Dan was always one to look up to when I was younger and not yet old enough to be a part of the youth group...This family is amazing with everything they do for people.....I prey for dan and the family everyday and hope things get better.....Always know the lord is there...and know that you have made a difference in someones life...thank you
Posted: Monday, July 12, 2010
Article comment by:
Amy Schreiner
Dan your so right..If the Lord leads us to it, he will see us thru it..You in my Prayers! Stay strong ")
Posted: Monday, July 12, 2010
Article comment by:
Rebecca Race
God Bless You, Dan.
May the strength of lord guide you through this most difficult time. God Bless your family
Posted: Saturday, July 10, 2010
Article comment by:
Eddie Koutz
My heart goes out to you. What an encouragement you are. Stay strong in faith and don't let go of it. You are on one of the greatest journeys known to man. You are completely in His Hands. Let us watch for the miracle as it is about to happen. I am excited with you and I am proud of you.
Posted: Saturday, July 10, 2010
Article comment by:
Tondra Shong
My prayers go out to you and your family. My sister when I was 15 yrs old past away of the same kind of cancer hers was located on her forearm they tried everything they could to save her. She's in alot better place because she is no longer in pain. god bless you
Posted: Saturday, July 10, 2010
Article comment by:
Hailey Ray
I am sorry to hear this ! I pray for the Rudd family !
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