Gary Dickson's Myelofibrosis Battle

Dad did pass away December 5...so why do we have the GoFund MePage still going?  All donations will go directly towards all of the backed up medical bills and funeral expenses for my dad's cancer battle and funeral.  He is VERY loved and missed.  <3

We are Lisa and Laura, sisters and best friends.  We're started this GoFundMe by raising money for our dad, Gary Dickson (and mom, Barb Dickson) as they face the struggle of fighting myelofibrosis (a rare form of cancer). Dad and mom are working on a limited, retired budget and are incurring large expenses that include gas for the trips to Michigan, hotel stays, clinical trial costs, and hospital stays. Any amount raised through this will go directly toward medical expenses. This includes expenses during the trips to Michigan for treatment. In November 2016, dad was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML).  He was sent up to U of M to undergo a strong round of chemo to attack the leukemia.  The chemo did it's job, however he also ended up with MRSA and Lymphedema.  By Friday, December 2 dad was moved to the critical care unit.  On the evening of December 4, dad was tired...his body started shutting down organ by organ.  At 3:44 am on December 5, my loving dad joined the angels in heaven.  He went peacefully and we were all able to be there with him.  

 


Here's his full back-story:

Dad retired from Dana Corp. in Fort Wayne eight years ago after he was diagnosed with essential thrombocytosis, a blood disorder that eventually led to the cancer he has now. In 2013, he began to notice a change in his health and the doctor noticed changes in his bloodwork.  He was extremely tired and his legs would often get so tired it was difficult for him to walk.  It was then dad and mom made their first trip, of many, to the University of Michigan. In 2006, our dad, Gary Dickson, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare form of cancer.  

(Myelofibrosis is a serious bone marrow disorder that disrupts your body's normal production of blood cells. The result is extensive scarring in your bone marrow, leading to severe anemia, weakness, fatigue, and often, an enlarged spleen and liver.  Myelofibrosis is an uncommon type of chronic leukemia — a cancer that affects the blood-forming tissues in the body. Myelofibrosis belongs to a group of diseases called myeloproliferative disorders.  Many people with myelofibrosis get progressively worse, and some may eventually develop a more serious form of leukemia.)

It was recommended by their amazing doctor from the U of M that dad have a bone marrow transplant. This was the only possible cure.  Arrangements were made for a stay of up to four months-the typical recovery time for a bone marrow transplant.  Then on November 7, 2014, they were told the insurance company would not pay for the transplant.  The insurance said that dad's age makes the procedure risky and there is little data to show performing it is worth the risk.

Since then, he has been on two differrent experimental clinical trials.  Both of these are extremely expensive and are NOT trials, like some, where you get paid to be a part of them.  They have to pay to have the treatments.  

Multiple trips have been made to track how the trials are effecting the cancer and dad.  Our parents started out going to Michigan weekly, then by-weekly, then eventually monthly.  Every now and then when the weekly bloodwork shows an unexpected change, they have to make an extra trip to Michigan.  Somtimes the day is so long or the procedure is so wearing, they've spent the night before driving home the next day.  Right now, dad and mom continue to make monthly/bi-monthly trips to Michigan for mulitple doctor appointments about his cancer and pain management.  

In October 2014, a benefit was held by Sark's Concessions.  This nearly $2,500 was used on gas for trips to Michigan, hotel stays, and a small chunk of the medical bills.  We are all so very grateful to Rick Sark, a cancer surviver himself, for his generosity in leading this fundraiser.  

Dad has had two blood tranfusions and been admitted into the hospital for his pain and anemia.  The cancer seems to still be progressing and the bills are begining to pile up. 

With the costs continuing to add up and the experimental treatment still in full swing, here's where you come in!  Dad and mom are working on a limited, retired budget and are incurring large expenses that include gas for the trips to Michigan, hotel stays, clinical trial costs, and hospital stays.  Any amount raised through this will go directly toward medical expenses.  This includes expenses during the trips to Michigan for treatment.  

Dad and mom continue to stay positive and give a whole hearted thank you to the people of the community who have already helped during this journey.  

Raising funds to help dad and mom with finances would lift a huge burden and help more than you know.  Our entire family thanks you, in advance, for your prayers and generosity!  We are so thankful for such an amazing community, group of friends, and family!