Last Fall, Bryan noticed a “knot” under his arm that he mentioned to his doctor. A test was ordered with subsequent urgent tests and within a few days, he was hospitalized and fighting for his life. He was diagnosed with a very rare disease called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. Bryan’s case was extremely rare. The CDC and NIH which are major authorities of healthcare were sought to review Bryan’s medical records. He spent months in and out of the hospital receiving specialized treatment. Those were grueling months for the Hendrick family. With uncertainty and setbacks, Bryan would withstand and ultimately win. After lifesaving medical care, he was discharged with the hope of a full remission and a determination to regain his strength and the use of both of his feet. The chemotherapy used to save Bryan’s life caused him to develop neuropathy (nerve damage) in his feet. Bryan has been a warrior. He continued to gain strength and confidence in his health. His hair had regrown and he gained some much-needed weight back. He was able to attend his oldest daughter’s Confirmation and even her eighth-grade graduation. Early summer, you could find Bryan on multiple basketball courts supporting both of his daughters in the sport. He appeared to be well and doing well. In July, Bryan was diagnosed with Proliferative Large B Cell Lymphoma. This came as quite an emotional blow to him and his family. His medical team immediately recommended he start chemotherapy again. Given his disease history in the last year, the ultimate goal would be to first gain a remission from the cancer and then receive a new immune system. Bryan’s body cannot fight disease. This would require him to undergo an Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplant. While undergoing chemotherapy in Louisville, Bryan and Sara have been in discussion with transplant centers. They decided on Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. “Be The Match” has identified a perfect match for Bryan. Amen. Bryan has continued to work while undergoing his chemo regimen as his body will allow. Sara has had to resign from her job to care for Bryan and to be available to their daughters during this challenging time. She has continued to become the most educated non-medical person on Bryan’s health issues. As parents, they have managed to successfully transition their daughters back to school this Fall as well as to emotionally deal with the uncertainty of Bryan’s health and how it affects every facet of their lives. So what does this mean? Bryan is working to be cancer free while simultaneously planning for transplant. Once cancer free, the Hendrick family will start their transplant journey. Bryan and Sara will go to Boston for his pre-treatment regimen and then transition into an inpatient status at Dana Farber for transplant. They have secured a studio apartment in Boston close to the hospital. Bryan will need to stay 100 days post-transplant pending no complications. Sara will go at least for the first 4-6 weeks and then travel back and forth as needed to take care of Bryan and the girls. The road to wellness, continues to be more of a marathon than a sprint. Friends and family are asking what can they do to help? What do they need? Have you met the Hendrick family? They are much better at giving help then they are at asking for it! So, as their friends, we have created this fund for them. What is happening to them, could happen to any one of us some day. We can help. Foremost, please pray for the Hendrick family, their medical team and donor. They are so grateful to their medical team and to the donor who is graciously giving Bryan the gift of life---literally! With our help, we can also offer the Hendrick family financial assistance that will help them with their growing medical expenses, travel costs from Louisville to Boston and the management of two households over 1000 miles apart with limited financial flow. We can offer peace of mind and lessen the unexpected life changing financial aspects of cancer and transplant. -Team Bryan