Meet Kenny and his family...The Texas 7

Kenny Scagel is a devoted father of seven, originally from New England, who moved to Texas in 1993. He has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 26 years. Over the past two decades, Kenny has dedicated himself to teaching high school History, English, Latin, and Theology, and he currently serves at Cassata Catholic High School in Fort Worth, TX.

In December 2023, Kenny's life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma affecting his mouth and jaw. In January, he underwent an extensive Fibula Flap surgery to remove part of his jaw, which was replaced with a segment of bone from his fibula. The recovery process was grueling, further complicated by a jaw abscess requiring additional surgery one month later. Kenny completed six weeks of radiation therapy in May and remained hopeful that he was cancer-free. However, persistent infections and a need for weeks of IV antibiotics led to the conclusion that a metal plate in his jaw had become colonized with bacteria, necessitating its removal.

On October 31st, during a planned surgery to replace the metal plate, surgeons discovered multiple lesions in Kenny’s throat and mouth. Biopsies of six areas, including a neck wound that had failed to heal, confirmed that cancer had returned. The procedure was stopped immediately.

The news that followed was devastating: removing the metal plate could spread the cancer further. Kenny’s options are now limited to palliative chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a highly invasive surgery to remove part of his throat and jawbone, which would leave him with a tracheotomy and feeding tube, and only a 25% chance of surviving five years, even if successful.

Kenny is determined to explore every possible treatment and is actively seeking second opinions and experimental options in his fight against cancer.

Throughout this journey, our family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from friends, loved ones, and even strangers. We are profoundly grateful and ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we face this battle together.