Please Help Patrick Post-Bone Marrow Transplant

The beneficiary of this fundraiser will be Joseph Darazs. Donations will be used for expenses related to Joseph's cancer treatment, including but not limited to: ongoing oncology care, medications, infusions and transfusions, biopsies, social and nutrition care, home health care, and any expenses connected to the stem cell transplant and subsequent recovery. In the rare event it becomes necessary, funds may be used to supplement and assist with mortgage payments.

This is the story of a kind and gentle man living his life and preparing to step into an exciting new phase when something went horribly wrong. Like most people, Joseph has always worked hard to take care of his family and further his career. He and I raised a beautiful daughter and sent her off to college. He continued to thrive at his firm, and we looked forward to spending more time together as empty nesters. The traveling and exploring we'd put off for so long seemed within reach. We were looking forward to selling our home and downsizing, simplifying, and enjoying places we'd longed to see for many years.

Then, in an instant, Joseph was sick, diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer affecting the bone marrow called Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia (AMML). He is now undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, labs, and infusions. Ultimately a stem cell transplant is the only thing that will save his life.

What are we asking for?

We are asking for your financial support. In the United States, cancer is an unbelievably expensive disease to have. It is not possible to get through this without crowdfunding. With the state of the economy, record inflation, and interest rates, many people are struggling. That is not lost on us. We appreciate every single dollar that is donated. Even if you aren't able to donate, we'd be honored if you kept us in your thoughts, no matter your beliefs. I don't think anything prepares you for something like this. You learn as you go. I suppose this is a lesson in living in the moment. Go ahead and do those things that bring you joy, that you've been looking forward to, now. Time may not always be a luxury you have. I've always heard 'health is wealth', and that is so very true. Unfortunately, some of us figure that out too late. We are rooting for you–live your best life!

We are grateful for the tremendous support shown to us by our friends, family, and loved ones. While nothing can change the fact that Joseph has this disease, your thoughts and donations have brought us support and comfort, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our page and read our story.

Our Little Family of 3 ❤️