Anything helps our cancer journey

Hi, my name is Lauren and I am raising money for my best friend and partner Neal (age 38). In October of 2022 we were shocked to find out his lymphoma (a blood cancer) came back. Soon after receiving the news his life took a drastic change. He had to close down and move out of his forge because he knew he couldn’t afford the shop space and wouldn’t be able to work due to the physical nature of blacksmithing.

By early November he had stopped making axes entirely (his livelihood) to undergo his first procedure of many, doctors proceeded with a biopsy, removing 5 lymph nodes from his stomach region. The pathology from the biopsy was not clear of what the exact type of lymphoma was, having traits of two types (Diffuse Large B-Cell and a Hodgkin’s strain). Regardless, doctors didn’t hesitate to declare their plan, which involved installing a port, then three rounds of inpatient chemotherapy treatment at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Each round of chemo was 3-4 days. Their goal was to shrink the cancer enough to qualify him for further treatment at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle for a risky stem cell transplant procedure, a standard treatment for relapsed blood cancers.

It is the end of January as I write this and Neal has recently relocated with his dad (pictured), as his first caregiver, to the cancer center in Seattle where he is undergoing more medical procedures, testing and inpatient chemotherapy that will prepare him for the transplant. He is expected to be in Seattle without visitors for 3 months. Because the overall procedure wipes out his entire immune system, he is required to live in hospital housing (about 10 minutes from the hospital) isolated with his caregiver in case anything were to happen. Doctors predict a full recovery will take up to one year.

Knowing Neal, determined to live a healthy, lively and active life, and myself, passionate about herbalism, body systems, nutrition and whole body wellness, we make a good healing team and believe recovery won’t take as long as the doctors predict.

Regardless, Neal has been out of work since November and will likely be out for at least 6 months. His insurance will only cover half of the cost of his hospital housing. Meanwhile he is still paying rent for his apartment in Hamilton, MT and other monthly costs, like his cell phone and food expenses.

This fundraising goal will help Neal to cover the cost of his living expenses and buy food while he is out of work. Anything helps and is greatly appreciated. Another way you can help people in a similar position as Neal is by donating blood. He will receive a blood transfusion during his time at the cancer center, which will be life saving.

Thank you for reading our story. Every cancer journey is unique and this is ours. I know that Neal will be touched by every single donation no matter how big or small, so thank you! Stay healthy and be well.