Valley woman shocked by rare tumor growth, hopeful for answers

It’s been more than two years that 30-year-old Danita Tate of Desert Hot Springs has battled a rare form of cancer in her uterus, called leiomyosarcoma.

“It’s taken over. I really feel like I’m being eaten alive here and there’s nothing I can do,” she said.

The cancer spread. Nine months ago is when she says a small growth on her forehead took on a life of its own and is now nearly the size of a football.

“The next month it was even bigger and by the time I looked around it was hideous. Now it’s at where it’s at now,” she said.

Doctors told Tate an operation to remove the tumor growing on her skull is too risky and not an option.
Doctors tried radiation. The tumor shrank, then grew again.

“I asked them, ‘What do I do, go home and die?’ Literally they say, ‘Yes, get on hospice,'” said Tate.

“She’s survived day after day. Every day is a struggle for her,” said Tate’s uncle Clarence.

With the tumor growing bigger each day, Tate has seen multiple doctors, and still none have answers. However, that’s not stopping her from looking.

“If a doctor can just help me, just please help me live, be there for my son. Be there for his first date, his first kiss, his first prom, and his graduation,” she said.

All she can do is sit back and only watch her three-year-old son D’Maurice play with his toys.

“I can’t even play with him. If he hits it, it hurts. It hurts bad,” she said.

To help ease the pain, she has a table covered with medications, her bible, and the touch of a little something special — her son.

“(He is) what brings me my joy and my strength.” Tate said.

Tate’s not looking for people to feel sorry for her; she’s just looking for someone who can help.

“I’m fighting for my life every day and I’m praying to God for a miracle,” she said.

Doctors tell Tate she only has months left to live, but she’s putting up a fight.

If you’d like to help, Tate’s family opened a donation account with Chase Bank. Ask to donate to the “Tate Fund.”

Email Tate at DanitaDtate@yahoo.com for more information.