I am so fortunate to be a friend and colleague of Michelle Madeen and I am asking for your help and support of Michelle, her husband Chip and their family who recently received some devastating news.  Following a period of worsening fatigue, Chip was hospitalized on March 1st, 2017 and two days later diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  Since then he has remained hospitalized in isolation and undergone a first course of chemotherapy with moderate success, followed by a second course that will hopefully destroy his remaining leukemia cells and normalize his white blood cell count.   Thankefully, there has been some guarded improvement.

A snippet from a recent message Michelle shared:

“We hear the term “soul mate” used all the time to describe someone’s partner, but I can’t think of a better way to describe how I feel about my husband.  Chip and I were married 18 ½ years ago and he is truly my best friend and soul mate.  Over the course of our marriage, we have been lucky enough to watch our children grow into amazing adults, and we have dealt with very little health problems.  I recognize how truly lucky we have been.   We are very thankful for the love and support that all of our family and friends have shown us.  Please know that your messages have helped brighten our spirits and encouraged us to channel all our inner strength during this time.    

Much love, Michelle”


Many people have already asked how they might help Chip and his family, and at this point they are simply asking for your positive thoughts and your prayer.

I know that Chip and Michelle would never ask for anything more…  They are very fortunate to have health coverage at this time, because they know that what they are being charged is relatively small in comparison to the whole bill.  Yet, they are both missing work during this prolonged hospitalization and they remain unsure how much insurance will continue to cover for the future procedures and prolonged treatments Chip will need going forward.   

If you feel compelled to help with their expenses during this time of need, I know they would be very thankful for your donation.  We understand that money is a scarce commodity and that most of us are living on budgets.  To allow therm to  focus on needed treatment and recovery, I ask that you please consider contributing financially to help ease the burden of upcoming medical expenses and other bills in this period where future employment income remains uncertain.   Any support you can provide, monetary or otherwise, in this difficult time is so very much appreciated.

Please share as you can and help spread the word!