Benefit for Candor resident planned for November 27

A benefit for Candor, N.Y. resident, Nick Wilding, who is battling stage IV tongue cancer, is planned for Sunday, Nov. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Candor Fire Station located at 74 Owego Rd. in Candor, N.Y. A firefighter who has served in both Candor and Owego fire departments, Wilding currently travels multiple times per week for cancer treatments in Syracuse, N.Y.  

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, tongue cancer is one of several oral cancers, the majority of which are found in the late stage. Wilding’s case falls into the “under seven percent” category, or those patients that get oral cancer from no identified cause.  

“The diagnosis took me by complete surprise,” shared Wilding. 

Wilding’s emotional journey began in April this year. He hopes by sharing his story it will help others as well as bring much needed attention to the subject of oral cancer research.

Wilding, age 33, had just completed one month as an assistant manager at a new job when he began experiencing pain on the right side of his head near the ear. A procedure with an ear, nose and throat specialist in June did not solve the pain, nor did visits to a neurologist. On July 1, Nick’s tongue began to swell and he found himself in the emergency room. Blood work at that point ruled out cancer, although Nick’s wife, Christina, had suspicions.

A small tumor protruding on top of his tongue was found by Nick’s primary doctor in early July, and by July 29, with a tongue about three times its normal size, a biopsy was scheduled. A cancer diagnosis was confirmed on Aug. 3. Nick had been unable to eat solid food or talk, and had dropped from 203 pounds to 143 pounds during late May through early August.  

Referred to the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse, Wilding had induction chemotherapy in August and September, where good results allowed him to eat foods orally. Unable to have surgery, Nick traveled to Chicago’s Cancer Treatment Center of America in October for another round of treatment, and following those results, a coordinated treatment plan was put into place. Nick can now get the same treatment in Syracuse that he received in Chicago. 

As of this writing, Nick was scheduled to undergo two more chemo rounds plus radiation on the left side of his neck on Friday, Nov. 11, considered the most advanced treatment method.  

Wilding shared, “I have full confidence that I am now on a progressive path,” and added, “My doctors say I am a ‘miracle case,’ and only the second patient they’ve had to go through it.”

The news gives Wilding hope. A future goal of Nick’s is to eventually be able to return to work. 

Wilding wishes to thank the community for their outpouring of support, along with family and friends, fire service personnel and law enforcement.

Wilding shared, “My parents moved up here from Florida to help.” Wilding himself, a “Florida transplant” as he described, has lived in the area for ten years. Nick’s wife, Christina Shaylor-Wilding, a 911 dispatcher at the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office, has been by his side throughout the course of his extensive treatments.  

The spaghetti dinner benefit at the Candor Fire Station will include music, gift baskets and raffles, along with other activities. A suggested donation of $5 per dinner or $17 for a family of four with a $2 extra per person in family is appreciated. All money raised will be used toward Nick’s travel back and forth to Syracuse as well as for general expenses.

To keep up-to-date on Nick’s journey, visit www.christinamwilding.com. For additional information, or to donate items for the benefit, contact Julie Cornell at (607) 280-2910 or Joyce Shaylor at (607) 972-4426, or visit the Facebook page, “Prayers for Nick Wilding.”