Phillip's Helping Hand

Hello everyone! My name is Phillip Ongenae . I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in January of 2011. My oncologist started me on ABVD. We thought it was working, but it turned out my metabolism was processing the chemo to fast. I ended up having to go to the University of Chicago for a new oncologist and a different kind of chemo. It was kind of scary hearing your body is processing the chemo to fast to help me. I went through 8 months of chemotherapy and was told I needed a stem cell transplant. They used my own stem cells. September 15, 2011 was my "rebirth" as they called it. I was cancer free. I was so happy that I beat it. I participated in the Relay For Life in June of 2012 with my wife and kids. I was able to walk the Survivor walk with over a 100 other survivors. It felt so good to know I kicked cancers butt. I went in for my routine pet scan in June and received devastating news. The cancer was back. 9 months after my transplant it came back. The doctor said that my body thinks that the Hodgkin's is suppose to be there. My immune system isn't fighting it off. My wife took the news pretty hard. I knew that I was going to kick cancers butt again. I'm not giving up that easily. I started a new chemo and just after 2 treatments the cancer was starting to shrink. I've been on chemo since July of 2012. I have to have another transplant. This time I'm getting a donor. I'm getting my transplant in a few weeks. This has been a long journey for my family. It has been stressful emotionally and financially. Unfortunately I have to stay in Chicago for four months. One month in the hospital and three months in an apartment not far from the hospital. I can't work because of the cancer. I was put into collections because I can't afford to pay my medical bills. My wife tries to help me pay the bills but she is supporting my daughter and son and myself. We are looking at even more medical bills once I go into the hospital. We're trying to come up with money to help pay for rent and food and hopefully pay some of my bills. Anything that is given would be greatly appreciated.