By Hannah Curran, Editor
TRUSSVILLE — A Trussville man passed away after his long battle with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT). DSRCT is a soft-tissue sarcoma that causes multiple tumors to form in the abdomen and pelvic area, but where it begins is usually unknown. The first case of a DSRCT was recorded in 1989; this rare form of cancer has had fewer than 500 cases diagnosed since 1989.
DSRCT is typically not diagnosed until it has reached late stages, making it hard to treat, especially since this cancer is usually resistant to treatment.
Blake Abercrombie was 30 when he went to a routine doctor’s appointment after he experienced stomach pains while on a family beach trip with his wife, Amanda, and daughter, Blakely. Still, this doctor’s visit would be anything but routine when the doctor found multiple tumors in Blake’s abdomen and pelvic area.
Blake was initially diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, but after receiving more tests, Blake was diagnosed with DSRCT in June 2019.
In July 2019, before Blake and Amanda went to Houston and started Blake’s initial set of treatments, they discovered Amanda was pregnant with a little boy.
The Abercrombie Army/BA Foundation Facebook page announced the news of Blake’s passing last week.
“Our hearts are broken as we lost Blake very early this morning, but we are rejoicing that he was welcomed to his eternal home healed, healthy, at peace, and all strength restored into his Father’s arms,” the post stated. “There is truly nobody like Blake, his testimony of faith and strength through this journey speaks volumes of him in itself, and we know his legacy will NEVER be forgotten! Please pray for our family as we navigate this new season. Pray for strength and peace to pour out over families as well as understanding for Blakely and Jack. We are working on arrangements and will let everyone know when they have been made.”
Amanda said Blake was the kind of person you always wanted surrounding you.
“His greatest loves were God, his family, and his friends. He loved golf, Auburn football, and being at the lake with his people,” Amanda said. “He always made sure everyone was happy and was the most selfless person, concerned about everyone but himself even over these last few years and weeks. Blake loved life and was the life of the party. His laugh was loud and contagious, and he was always making jokes. He absolutely adored his wife and kids and was always the perfect image of what a father and husband should be.”
Blake formed the BA Foundation to raise awareness and funds for research at MD Anderson Clinic for DSRCT. The BA foundation is Blake’s legacy, and Amanda said they want to ensure it continues to grow.
“Blake wanted to see a cure for DSRCT, and with this foundation, we will be able of help assist with research to make that happen as well as be there to support other families that find themselves in similar situations,” Amanda said. “The annual golf tournament if coming up in November at Old Overton Country Club, and we know Blake has the best seat in the house for it. We will continue to support research of DSRCT at MD Anderson in Houston.”
Blake graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School (three-year starter) and UAB. He spent the last five years as Territory Manager for Climatic Comfort Products, where he was loved by his coworkers and clients. Blake was an involved member of The Gathering Place Church. In addition, he was a loving person with an outgoing personality and was the life of the party with the best laugh.
“Blake was the most faithful man and made it a point to remind everyone around him how good God is and always has been,” Amanda said. “His story and fight impacted so many people for the better, and we know it will continue to do just that. Blake will truly never be forgotten, and we know his legacy and testimony of faith will only continue to grow in the days and years to come. He is rejoicing with the Lord, and we could not be more proud of the person he was.”
Blake’s brother, Jordan Abercrombie, said Blake was the most “selfless, loving person.”
“Always making sure everyone is okay,” Jordan said. “Being there whenever you need someone. Jokester, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Life of the party. Best son, husband, father, brother you could have ever imagined. Follower of Christ. Even after his passing, he used his testimony through pastor Matt to spread the love of Jesus to help build his kingdom.”
Jordan added that to this day, he smoked the best butt, grilled the best burgers, and loved driving the Moomba.
His family celebrated his life with visitation on Thursday, October 20, 2022, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Clearbranch United Methodist Church. His service was at the church on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery.
Donations to the BA Foundation can be made through bafoundation.net.