On December 1st, 2021, my brother Andy was sent to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a blood transfusion after some blood work at Winneshiek Medical Center indicated that something was wrong with his blood cells. For weeks he had been tired, out of breath, and not his usual energetic self. (For all who know Andy, you know what I'm talking about regarding his energy...) At Mayo they ordered a bone marrow biopsy.

 

The results came back December 8th. He has been diagnosed with acute leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of bone marrow cancer. His chemotherapy treatment started immediately, and he is now staying at Mayo Clinic for at least the next 3-6 weeks while they treat him and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

 

Andy is a humble guy when it comes to asking for favors. He is most often the one doing favors for others! However, this is an uncertain time, and I am asking for help on his behalf, and on the behalf of his beautiful family - his wife, Marnie, and his little girls, Marit (5) and Daphne (3).

 

In the coming weeks and months there will be many medical bills. Andy is not allowed to work during his treatment, which means there will be wage losses. The timeframe for his treatment remains unknown, and in addition to the chemo treatment, there is also the recovery from the bone marrow transplant (which will hopefully take place in a few months), and we know the recovery period for that is lengthy. On top of the medical costs, due to his weakened immune system, to safely return home there will need to be HVAC upgrades to their house in order to provide a sterile environment.

 

Andy is so fortunate to have a huge support network. I know his family and friends (both near and far), co-workers, neighbors, and the whole community of Decorah will rally to help him fight this! Please consider making a donation to ease the burden for Andy and his family during this difficult time. For other ways to help locally, please see the following page: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/S6J5F4C/love-for-the-carlsons-1

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

With gratitude,

Katie (Carlson) Hunt