Doug Hickman, a 30-year resident of Orcas Island, was diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis, a rare form of cancer.

Hickman is a Vietnam war veteran, and the cancer is suspected to be linked to Agent Orange exposure.

He recently underwent 14 hours of surgery at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in Zion, Ill., one of only two sites in the U.S. to offer surgery for this type of cancer. He was hospitalized for nine weeks, and while his medical insurance has paid 80 percent of the costs, he still has $30,000 in medical bills.

Hickman Works at Island Supply as a machinery mechanic. He is also a woodworker and makes a wide range of furniture, birdhouses, and more. His wife Lana is an artist and teaches classes at the Funhouse.

Because of their inability to work, the Hickmans have fallen behind in their rent and other bills. An account has been set up at Key Bank to help them pay for expenses.