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DESTREHAN – Glen Halder of Destrehan was first diagnosed with testicular cancer on Valentine’s Day 2012, three months after his and his wife’s first child was delivered stillborn. Even when it seemed like his world was imploding, Glen kept a positive mindset, defeated cancer and went on to have two beautiful little girls through natural means.

After years of being cancer free, Glen’s life was turned upside down once again in May 2019 when he learned the cancer had returned. This time, the testicular cancer was not in the form of a tumor that could be surgically removed. Instead, it was engorged in his lymph nodes, some swollen up to 16 times the normal size.

His May 2019 bloodwork results were eerily similar to when he was diagnosed in 2012, with hormone markers roughly 400 times above average levels. Like last time, Glen made a personal decision to tackle the cancer head-on through natural remedial treatments such as intravenous high-dose vitamin C infusion, diet and exercise, rather than traditional chemotherapy.

Kylie Granier doesn’t know Glen personally, but his story touched her enough to organize a raffle to help offset the family’s medical expenses. She’s sponsoring two luxurious prizes, and she’s set a goal to sell more than 1,000 tickets prior to the April 5 raffle drawing.

First place is a five-night stay at the Orlando Sunshine Resort in Florida. From May 24-29, the lucky winner will stay in a two-bedroom condo large enough to sleep eight people. Second place is a two-night stay at the Bluegreen Club La Pension in New Orleans. The one-bedroom upscale hotel sleeps four in the heart of the French Quarter from Aug. 29-31.

The third place prize is a Gatr cooler filled with beverages, and the fourth place prize includes a Vera Bradley ice chest bag, a beach towel, two coozies and a large duffle bag.

Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased in person via cash or check, through Venmo @Angel Halder or online at PayPal.Me/glenangelhalder. Contact Angel Halder, Kylie Granier or Yvette Granier via Facebook messenger for assistance or further questions.

The drawing takes place on Sunday, April 5.

“Reading his story, you could tell they were humble people,” Kylie said. “Even though he’s fighting something, he’s still at work trying to support his family. I felt like I could give back in some way to somebody that’s fighting for their life.”

She feels comfort knowing there will be a local impact to the fundraising effort.

Glen said Kylie has been nothing short of an angel to his family. He’s seen the hand of God at work between the generosity of coworkers, friends, family and strangers who have come together to help him in his time of need.

“It’s not often you come across people who have the heart to care for people they barely know,” Glen said.

Having the energy to spend quality time with his daughters and provide for their one-income household was something Glen could not compromise, even if the costs of the intravenous high-dose vitamin C treatment are hardly manageable. He claimed the one-time critical illness payout from his work in 2012, leaving a lack of finances for this round of treatments.

The kindness of the community has helped him receive approximately 40 treatments thus far.

“It was a big gamble of putting my life on hold for chemotherapy, and I would rather take a risk on something that would allow me to work, maintain my quality of life, be able to hug my children and continue doing things like exercising and going to the grocery store,” Glen said.

Since beginning the treatments, many of Glen’s lymph nodes have shrunk back to normal size. However, a scan before Christmas showed the cancer is gripping his right lung, recording hormone levels 800 times that of a healthy person. Nevertheless, Glen is confident that healing will come. Like with anything else, it just takes time.

“I have an inner peace,” Glen said. “I’m doing the same protocol as in 2012 when I conquered this. That’s why people call me a walking miracle. I know what works for my body, and I stick to it without being pressured.”

Glen’s wife, Angel Halder, said her husband is kind-hearted, gentle and soft-spoken. He’s a wonderful father, and his presence is enough to make anyone feel calm and safe.

“His attitude is always on the positive side. He never really lets fear grip him,” Angel said. “This form of treatment doesn’t take away his quality of life. This is the route he chose. All he asks is for everybody to respect his wishes.”