Last November my husband was diagnosed with breast cancer. We weren't even aware that men could get breast cancer. He had a 2-3 cm lump in his left breast. He had to have a mastectomy on his left breast the week before Thanksgiving. Thankfully, it did not spread to the lymphnodes, so it wasn't mandatory to have chemo or radiation.
Four days after being diagnosed with cancer, the theme park we were subcontracted at let him go after over 12 years of his services. It was devastating to learn you have cancer then lose your job and still have a family to support. We also owned tigers, bears, cougars and wolves that we performed with and did not know how we were going to be able to feed and house them as well. So, we decided to start an exotic animal sanctuary for these magnificant animals. My husband would not be able to perform shows like before, due to the effects of the cancer. He has lost some strength and mobility in his left arm and numbness in his torso area. His show was very popular at the theme park, and alot of guest were upset that they let us go. So we decided to open to the public, hopefully this Fall, for school groups, church groups, girl/boy scouts and clubs and the general public to educate them on these magnificant animals. Due to the cancer and the loss of his job we have lost everything except our home and the animals. It has been a rough road but feel very blessed that his life was spared and that we were able to bring our animals home to live out their lives at the sanctuary. God has special plans for us.
Quitman, GA
