From Maryland, Sharon Fritts, reports that husband Donnie Fritts, of Calhoun successfully came out of surgery and is recovering after another attempt to reconstruct his face.

Donnie is currently the centerpiece of a film documenting his journey without a majority of his face, though he receives no financial assistance as part of the filming.

Diagnosed with Ameloblastic Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer, in 2002, Donnie lost most of his face making Donnie one of a mere 16 documented cases worldwide to have the cancer. Not only does Donnie’s rare form of cancer make him unique, but also the fact that he has beaten the cancer that has proven fatal for all carriers so far.

Donnie, with devoted wife Sharon by his side, is being filmed on his journey as he is reconstructed again after several painful and failed attempts to reconstruct his face. The documentary he has agreed to be a part of does not in fact pay Donnie for his time on camera.

More than $1 million dollars has been spent on surgeries to help Donnie live a normal life so far, but his battle is not yet over, and funds are dwindling.

According to Sharon, the Barrett Road Church of God has a cancer fund set up for Donnie, but funds are getting low. The Calhoun community has helped the couple in many ways in the past, for which they say they are very grateful.

Most of the money for Donnie’s surgeries has been raised by family, friends and the community, as his insurance considers his surgeries cosmetic, and provides no financial assistance for Donnie.

According to Sharon, Donnie has recently returned to Maryland where he has completed another surgery on Dec. 11. Donnie thanks Calhoun for their prayers and asks them to please continue.

To see Donnie’s story, with photos of his remarkable battle with cancer, visit their website at www.donniefritts.com. To make a donation to Donnie’s cancer fund, contact Eleanor Silvers at 706-629-5469.