Support for Kelvin Messner & Family
Donation protected
We are asking for support in raising money for Kelvin and his family as he is going through this journey of fighting cancer and not being able to work since August 2019.
He is married to Melissa and they have two young boys together, Matthew and Joseph. He also has three older children, Casey, Tony and Devon. Kelvin not only is a husband, father, and recently a grandpa, he is a brother and friend to many. He enjoys old vehicles, hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and his support dog Hope, that he got when this journey started. We would all love to see him be able to do all these things to their fullest again!
In February 2019 He and our family heard the word no one ever wants to hear or is prepared for. Cancer. He was diagnosed with an uncommon bone marrow cancer, Myelofibrosis. This diagnosis not only came as a shock to all of us, but with a long journey of medications, tests, chemo and medical bills to prep for. Given this diagnosis Dad had a lot of questions and fear, but he was ready to fight not only for his life but for his loved ones and knowing that his God is bigger then this!
A bone marrow transplant being the only possible option for a cure, he was sent to University of Pennsylvania, Philly where he would go back and forth several times a week for tests, blood transfusions and preparation for his transplant. He was blessed to find a 100% match in his brother Darrel Messner!
With the support of the wonderful Doctors and staff at U Penn Philly on August 23rd, 2019 Dad received his transplant with Melissa and all of us kids in his room to cheer him on. Following the transplant he remained in Philly under strict precautions for 30 days. He was then able to go home still under strict precautions to prevent any infection. He remained on the chemo, as well as anti-rejection medications and was given IV medications daily at home. The goal set by the doctor was to reach the 100 day post transplant mark with no major set backs or signs of rejection of the transplant.
October 2019 He ended up back in the hospital with a blood infection for about a week. He was in an out a few times with fevers and not feeling well. All considered minor set backs in the journey.
Feb 14th Dad ended up back in the hospital at U Penn/ Lancaster General, he was not doing well in the weeks leading up to this day. After many test the doctors determined that he has a severe case of GVHD (graft vs host disease). A condition that occurs when donor bone marrow or stem cells attack the recipient. GVHD can occur anytime after a transplant. However, it’s more common after the marrow had started to make healthy cells. The condition can range from mild to severe. With Dads condition being severe he needed to get down to Philly (where they are more equipped to treat it) ASAP. He is currently still in the hospital in Philly working on trying to treat and stop a lot of his symptoms and not cause further damage to his body. We do not know when he will be able to come home, and he has a long journey ahead of him.
The money raised will go to helping pay his mortgage as he is not working, the daily needs of Melissa and the boys, and the endless medical bills that are piling up already. We are asking for prayers as well for strength for the whole family and healing for his body so he can come home!!! I want to take the time to thank every one in advance for your prayers and support and any donation you can make, no donation is too small. Dad and all of us truly appreciate all the love and support.
To help get the word out you can share this on your facebook timeline!!
Thank you!
- Kelvin, Melissa, Casey, Tony, Devon, Matthew & Joseph.
He is married to Melissa and they have two young boys together, Matthew and Joseph. He also has three older children, Casey, Tony and Devon. Kelvin not only is a husband, father, and recently a grandpa, he is a brother and friend to many. He enjoys old vehicles, hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and his support dog Hope, that he got when this journey started. We would all love to see him be able to do all these things to their fullest again!
In February 2019 He and our family heard the word no one ever wants to hear or is prepared for. Cancer. He was diagnosed with an uncommon bone marrow cancer, Myelofibrosis. This diagnosis not only came as a shock to all of us, but with a long journey of medications, tests, chemo and medical bills to prep for. Given this diagnosis Dad had a lot of questions and fear, but he was ready to fight not only for his life but for his loved ones and knowing that his God is bigger then this!
A bone marrow transplant being the only possible option for a cure, he was sent to University of Pennsylvania, Philly where he would go back and forth several times a week for tests, blood transfusions and preparation for his transplant. He was blessed to find a 100% match in his brother Darrel Messner!
With the support of the wonderful Doctors and staff at U Penn Philly on August 23rd, 2019 Dad received his transplant with Melissa and all of us kids in his room to cheer him on. Following the transplant he remained in Philly under strict precautions for 30 days. He was then able to go home still under strict precautions to prevent any infection. He remained on the chemo, as well as anti-rejection medications and was given IV medications daily at home. The goal set by the doctor was to reach the 100 day post transplant mark with no major set backs or signs of rejection of the transplant.
October 2019 He ended up back in the hospital with a blood infection for about a week. He was in an out a few times with fevers and not feeling well. All considered minor set backs in the journey.
Feb 14th Dad ended up back in the hospital at U Penn/ Lancaster General, he was not doing well in the weeks leading up to this day. After many test the doctors determined that he has a severe case of GVHD (graft vs host disease). A condition that occurs when donor bone marrow or stem cells attack the recipient. GVHD can occur anytime after a transplant. However, it’s more common after the marrow had started to make healthy cells. The condition can range from mild to severe. With Dads condition being severe he needed to get down to Philly (where they are more equipped to treat it) ASAP. He is currently still in the hospital in Philly working on trying to treat and stop a lot of his symptoms and not cause further damage to his body. We do not know when he will be able to come home, and he has a long journey ahead of him.
The money raised will go to helping pay his mortgage as he is not working, the daily needs of Melissa and the boys, and the endless medical bills that are piling up already. We are asking for prayers as well for strength for the whole family and healing for his body so he can come home!!! I want to take the time to thank every one in advance for your prayers and support and any donation you can make, no donation is too small. Dad and all of us truly appreciate all the love and support.
To help get the word out you can share this on your facebook timeline!!
Thank you!
- Kelvin, Melissa, Casey, Tony, Devon, Matthew & Joseph.
Organizer and beneficiary
Devon Weber
Organizer
York, PA
Tony Messner
Beneficiary