David is a cancer survivor. David was diagnosed with Laryngeal Cancer at the age of 40. Over the past 13 years, David has been helping others deal with the diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer. David and his wife Kendra are lifelong residents of West Virginia and currently live in Charleston. They have two sons and one grandson.
After graduating high school at age 18, david joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1972. This is also when he started using tobacco. In January 1994, David was diagnosed with Stage 1 Laryngeal Cancer. The treatment would be an agressive radiation therapy of two(2) treatments per day for six(6) weeks. At completion of this treatment, tests were performed to prove the success of the treatment. Being "cancer free." David was allowed to return to work.
In March 1996, the cancer had returned. This time, the only treatment option was surgery. The surgery, called a Total Laryngectomy, removes the Larynx or Voice Box as well as all surrounding affected tissue. Since the Cancer was previously treated and had returned, it is a Recurrent Cancer which is a qualifier for total disability resulting in the termination of David's working career.
David is currently president of "The Central West Virginia Lost Chords" (the local chapter of The International Association of Laryngectomees). He is active with The West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention as well as the West Virginia Tobacco Coalition.