Amazing singer diagnosed with Throat Cancer

Campaign Created by: Aisha Belton

The funds from this campaign will be received by Aisha Belton.

Goal: USD $27,500
Raised: USD $ 17,400

The Diagnosis:

Duane Vincent, also known as Mr. Smooth and Jazzy here in the Houston and surrounding areas has been singing for the past 30 years. It has been heartbreaking to find out that he was recently diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer on 9/11/2023. Duane has already had 7 appointments with specialists and undergone a biopsy, CT scan, 2 dental surgeries (urgently needed prior to radiation ) and a PET scan is scheduled for the first week of October. He has been recommended to undergo about 7 weeks of radiation treatments and chemotherapy as well along with strict dietary changes.

The Background:

Although Duane is an engineer by trade, his true passion has always been music and singing is at the heart of that passion. Duane is a loving husband and devoted father to his 11 year old son (Duane Jr.) and soon to be 14 year old daughter (Amarissa). He met his wife, Aisha, when he was singing at Clementines restaurant back in 2005. She absolutely fell in love with his voice from day one. Aisha lovingly describes her husband as "one of God’s most faithful and humble servants. One who always places others’ needs before his own, always. He is the kindest, most compassionate, understanding and selfless person you will ever meet."

Duane and his family have been through their share of storms and are no strangers to overcoming adversity. Duane lost his only older sister back in 2002. Then his only brother passed away in 2017 at which time their daughter started to experience a severe and rare autoimmune condition that would last 4 and half years. His mother is still living and will be a strong 89 years old come this November. They are gently breaking the news to her this week and are asking for your prayers for her as well.

The Why:

This family is great at a lot of things, but asking for help is not one of their strong suits. So much so that Duane is not even aware of this campaign and will probably be quite upset when he first finds out about it. Then he will quickly turn that feeling into the utmost of gratitude and start thinking of how soon he can give back to this platform, his community, family, friends and fans. The family does not yet know the impact of all of these treatments on Duane’s short-term or long-term health and his ability to keep singing. However, just as they did with their daughter’s autoimmune condition and now, they will rely on Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

The Request:

We are urgently asking for your prayers for complete healing for not only Duane but everyone going through this horrible disease, support for his medical bills for treatment and income during this difficult time. Duane is and has been a self-employed musician since the birth of their daughter back in 2009. Leaving the hectic corporate world allowed him to be there for his family at every turn, especially when their daughter got sick. He doesn’t get any holidays off or sick days or vacation days. All funds raised will go directly to cover Duane’s medical bills and the income shortfalls in the coming months. The medical bills are starting to come in and are all currently going towards their deductibles/out-of-pocket maximums.

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

#GivingTuesday

The Blessing:

We are aware that this is a huge ask in these trying times with record high inflation. If his music, story or family moves your heart in any way, would you please consider a generous gift no matter how small the amount. Your generous donations will all be blessed by God and may He bless you in return is our prayer.

Philippians 4:19

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

The Music

Duane has recorded and released several songs on iTunes and has been working on a CD, but so much life has happened to this family over the years that it has been difficult to finish. A song that will truly touch your heart and is relevant and very much needed today is “Keep the Faith."  Below is a link to some of Duane's other songs and we encourage you to take a listen and share his music with your family and friends.  

Duane's Website

Duane Vincent on iTunes

Keep the Faith Song by Duane Vincent

The Gratitude

This has been overwhelming to say the least for the family and there’s just a lot of uncertainty and unknowns at this point. We are extremely hopeful and prayerful that Duane’s recovery will be quick, so he can get back to his family and singing!  We thank you all for your prayers, generous gifts and sharing his story.

May God continue to bless each and every one of you and keep you healthy is our prayer!

God Bless You!

From Duane’s Family and Friends 

James 1:17

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Psalm 107:21-22

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Let them sacrifice thank offerings

    and tell of his works with songs of joy."

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday2023

#GivingTwosday

#GivingTwosday2023

UPDATES

Update #8 - Visit to the urgent care today 11/27
November 28, 2023
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Hello everyone, just a quick note to let you know that it was a good thing we went to urgent care today, since Duane was feeling worse over last few days.  So he has Flu type B that just added to his overall symptoms/side effects but he's on the backside of it now and hopefully the extra fluids helped.  

We got the kids room there and he made a new friend ;-)  he's pushing through the pains each day.  Still in great spirits, making kiddos lunches with the extra touches they've been spoiled with.  Grateful for your continued prayers and support.   

Have a blessed night! 

‭Psalms‬ ‭107:1‬

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love ‭endures forever."

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

With love and thanks,

Duane & Family

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

Update #7 - Grateful, Thankful, Blessed....Keeping the Faith - #GivingTwosday2023
November 25, 2023
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Hello everyone, just a quick note of gratitude for everyone's continued prayers and support.  Thanksgiving was certainly a little different for us yesterday.  We didn't feel up to any company.  However, Duane managed to cook the turkey, duck and dressing for us but wasn't even able to eat any of the food 😢....and had a tough night before and afterwards. I felt horrible about it all and wish I could take his pain away somehow 🙏 .  He's lost his voice on and off for the past couple of days also which is very concerning and heartbreaking.  I can only imagine what he is going through as a singer.  I will continue to be by his side and stronger for him each and everyday while Keeping the Faith every step of the way!

The kiddos and I are all managing as best as expected.  I'm trying to keep it all together but it is hard I must say. The kids decided to put up Christmas lights all around the house on the inside in their hallways, entry area and living room.  It kept them busy for a day or two so why not.  Will spend a little bit more time with the kids, watching movies and playing some board games to keep them a little preoccupied after taking care of Duane as always.  I continue to research how to help him along the way and how to manage the pain better and/or healing alternatives.  The search is endless it seems.  

Keeping the Faith and hoping that the pain will end soon and he will be healed completely 🙏.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  God Bless you!  Have a great rest of the weekend!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

With love and thanks,

Duane & Family

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

Update #6 - A little rough, down but not out; Love Duane’s fans and venue owners
November 20, 2023
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Hello GSG/AWK family and all of Duane’s fans and venue owners!

We are so grateful for Duane’s fans and owners of venues where he performs. They have become close friends and are like family to us! They have come out to support him week after week at his many venues all around Houston for years and especially now are all in with their support. There are too many to name and we love them all and look forward to seeing them again over the upcoming Holidays and months to come.

While everyone is preparing for Thanksgiving this week, we continue to count our blessings and are grateful for your continued prayers and support. We have reached 40% of the goal set forth and are Keeping the Faith that the entire goal will be achieved soon. 

Duane had a little rough patch towards the end of last week. While he continues to work, he is resting a little bit more with the side effects of treatments which caught up with him on Saturday. He finished his gig on Saturday at an amazing local Italian restaurant (Villa Roma) but needed some help packing up his equipment from the second story. The owner himself brought everything downstairs for Duane to help him pack up for the night. Thank you Israel 😊 and God Bless you!  He made it home safely and after eating a small meal, taking some pain meds, he was able to rest a little through the night and all day on Sunday.

The doctor’s visit last week was very encouraging with how Duane is responding to treatments. The larger tumor on the left side has shrunk considerably, Praise God! We believe a lot of the natural/holistic supplements we’re doing are a big part of this process. We’re hoping to do another scope to see how he’s doing after Thanksgiving and praying the results are continuing to improve and focus on healing from all of the side effects.

Our Thanksgiving plans are a little fluid at the moment of course but in keeping with the family tradition, Duane is still planning on doing the Turkey and the cornbread dressing from scratch. The kiddos favorite! I’ll be making some sides and sweet potato pie, and our daughter is making some brownies. Although it will be difficult for Duane to eat much since his taste buds are all gone and throat is still sore off/on, we’re hoping he’ll eat just a bit more, rest a little bit more and enjoy time with his family.

Wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving with all of your family, friends and food!

1 Corinthians 1:4

"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus."

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

With much love and thanks, 

Duane & Family  

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

Update #5 - 🙏 A little rough this past week but getting better a little at a time...please keep praying and sharing!
November 13, 2023
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Good evening GSG/AWK family,

Duane hit a rough patch this past week and has been in more pain due to the radiation treatment mainly since this past Thursday but is a little better today.  My superhero amazing husband continues to give it his all, not complaining, still working, helping with the kiddos and even cooking.  I honestly don't know how he does it, only with the Grace of God.  We are continuing to utilize all resources and experts available to us even some recent ones that seem to be God sent with Duane's care.  We are hopeful and prayerful that we will be getting to the root cause for Duane's cancer and some other treatment options very soon.  

We continue to pray for guidance, wisdom and discernment in the right direction and pray the experts are on the same page with us in Faith and so far God has been faithful in blessing us with many Godly people indeed on this journey, 🙏 Amen!  We are counting our blessings each and every day and Keeping the Faith because God is Good and he is with us. 

With your continued prayers and support we hope we can continue the best care for Duane.  It does get difficult to manage it all (family, work, kiddos, appointments, research, schedules) from day to day.  I'm trying to see what options I have with my work to take a little break so I can devote more time into Duane's care since it has been tough. 

Have a Blessed week everyone.  Thank you again for all of your prayers and continued support.

Isaiah 33:2

"Lord, show us favor; we hope in you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress."

"Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will. Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.  -- Book of Common Prayer Chapel Edition"

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

With love,

Duane & Family  

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

Update #4 - two weeks into treatments
November 6, 2023
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Good evening GSG/AWK family,

We continue to count our blessings each and every day with all the ups and downs.  

Duane has lost some weight; however, still smiling after each doctor's appointment. Some nights are rough due to treatments.....but he still gets up in the mornings: cleans up, helps with the kiddos and dresses for business like the prior night of discomfort never happened and there's no ongoing pain/discomfort 😊. 

We're navigating through the side effects of treatments with natural supplements.  We  are prayerful that we will be reporting more positive results in the coming weeks.   

The kids finished their sports season (Volleyball and basketball) this weekend so that is a welcomed relief for Aisha.  She will have more time to devote to Duane's care with the kiddos helping out as well.  

Have a great week everyone and will update again as soon as possible.   

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55:22‬ ‭

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Duane & Family

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

Update #3 - Quick note of appreciation
November 1, 2023
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Good evening everyone, just wanted to send out a quick update and continued thanks. Sitting here with Mr. Smooth and Jazzy aka hubby/Duane Vincent Belton and he sends his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to LT and the entire AWK family and GiveSendGo! Your gifts have been God sent and prayers are always appreciated. We're in our second week of treatments and a couple of rough patches but he's still smiling and singing a little. Also, there has been a surprisingly quick reduction in tumor sizes, Praise God!  First and foremost honor be to God and we truly believe through God's blessings he is healing Duane which includes traditional and holistic approaches. Additionally we are continuing to pursue more leads and suggestions by the AWK family.  More detailed update will be provided asap.  Have a Blessed night everyone!

1 Timothy 4:4-5

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

With love,

Duane & Family

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

Update #2 - My apologies for the short update today.....just overwhelmed
October 23, 2023
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Good evening fellow prayer warriors.  Hope you know how grateful we are for each and everyone of you for your support.  It has been a roller coaster of emotions this past week and I think the exhaustion from it all just caught up with me and had to take some time off work as well.  Been a bit overwhelming with the amount of research to do and information to decipher.  Reached out to a couple of more natural/holistic resources and awaiting their responses.  Duane starts his treatments tomorrow and praying his body receives them well and the healing begins.  A big thank you to Tina, part of the prayer team at GiveSendGo, who left a beautiful, heartfelt prayer message for us, greatly appreciate it Tina, thank you so much!  

"I can do all things Through Christ Who gives me strength."  Phillippians 4:13

Praying for your strength in the coming weeks, in Jesus's mighty name, Amen!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Duane & Family

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

Update #1 - Duane's Birthday is in 60 days
October 17, 2023
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All of your prayers are working! Our hearts have been filled with gratitude and spirits lifted with all of the love and prayers received for Duane and family from all around the world. We are so very grateful for everyone’s support.

The PET scan did show that the tumors are still isolated in the throat area (tonsillar and lymph nodes, 5 areas in total to treat) and it has not spread anywhere else below the neck, which is great news!  There are some adverse effects after treatments start that we will have to monitor closely and cautiously as it relates to extreme dry mouth and ability to eat, drink and swallow.  

Lots of appointments still and his treatments are currently in the staging phase. Scheduled to meet with a speech therapist and dietician this week. We are diligently looking into the natural, holistic recommendations based on your direct messages and feedback, thank you. For anyone else out there, we came across this book “The Metabolic Approach to Cancer” by Winters and Kelley and are also using that as a guide through this process.

Duane is still working at his venues. In fact, after his first dental surgery on a Friday 2 weeks ago he went to work the next day and after another one on a Thursday last week, he went to work the same night!  He is in great spirits (always has been no matter the storm), continuing to workout, take care of his family and cook. Duane just told me himself, he feels better than he has in the last few months, all of your prayers are working, Amen!

Funds raised so far have been already allocated towards the medical deductible upwards of $3,700 so far. Dental bills to 4 different dentists ranging from monthly payments to paying off half or more of some of the balances due.

Please continue to pray for Duane and others, for complete healing, for strength, for guidance and knowledge in this journey.  We hope you share his music and story so he can continue to be an inspiration of hope and Faith for others.  

Lord, show us favor; we hope in you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress.

— Isaiah 33:2

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Duane & Family

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

#GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesday2023, #GivingTwosday, #GivingTwosday2023

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