Richard J. Scanlon, Sr.

Although we do not know exactly when Rick’s battle started, he was officially diagnosed in early December 2018. Prior to that he thought he was having bursitis in his left leg that was causing unusual pain. It became apparent that he was having greater difficulty during our annual Virginia Tech football game. After that we knew it was something more than just bursitis because of his lack of appetite during Thanksgiving dinner. The diagnosis of cancer followed approximately a week later. Further tests were done, it was classified as a Stage 4 liposarcoma that originated in his lower abdomen and had spread to both lungs. Shortly after his physicians started him on chemotherapy and completed three cycles. Unfortunately, the original treatment plan was ineffective. He was given the option to continue fighting with an alternative treatment which he started shortly thereafter. He went through two cycles of chemotherapy before having to be admitted to the hospital. During this time, he underwent ten rounds of radiation over a period of three weeks. While in the hospital further testing showed that current treatment was unsuccessful and he had become too weak to undergo further treatments. His wishes were to be at home with his family and friends under the care of Hospice, home health aides, and his wife that had never left his side. After a little over a month of around the clock care, he passed away peacefully. He will always be remembered as a selfless and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We hope that any donations will eventually lead to better treatments or possibly even a cure for others suffering from sarcoma.