While heading back from a recent ice fishing trip near my home in Alaska, Tim Doner, aka “Dr. D,” called my cell phone. Tim got straight to the point: “Hey brodoggie, I want you to hear the news before you hear it from someone else. I’ve been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.” I instantly got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as Tim and his wife, Tanya, are longtime friends of my family. We talked a bit about details, I prayed with him, and we hung up. As I drove home, I thought deeply about how best to help Dr. D navigate this difficult situation.

Tim and Tanya are an important part of my family’s life. My social media accounts are full of fond Doner memories – fishing, hunting, dinners, beach fires, card games, ministry and what some may consider inappropriate humor. For the last few decades, we’ve often laughed hysterically, but we’ve also had numerous, meaningful conversations about the incoming and outgoing tides of life. We’ve prayed for and encouraged each other and shed tears together. We’ve had conflict too, but since our relationship is rooted in grace and forgiveness, we carry on as friends who are like family.

Dr. D is a master craftsman who takes great pride in his work. He’s best known as an auto mechanic, commercial fisherman and aurora and wildlife photographer, but I think his best skill is working with people. Tim and Tanya have shepherd’s hearts. The bottom line is the Doners want people to flourish, and they have sacrificially given their lives away by serving others. Many have benefitted from Doner goodness, but not everything in life is good. Tim’s prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals as a trustworthy mechanic is now impacting his health. I’ve often said to my kids, “Dr. D can fix anything”, but we all soberly realize he cannot fix leukemia.

You can help. My deep thoughts after receiving Tim’s call results in me humbly asking you to support the Doners who are jointly self-employed at Doner Automotive. The best outcome requires a bone marrow transplant (BMT) which is not available in Alaska. The BMT will extend Tim’s life, but getting the transplant will prevent the Doners from working for up to a year. The necessary treatment will create an unnecessary sense of urgency regarding Tim and Tanya’s overall financial situation. The Keffalos household is honored to “do life” with the Doners, and we are committed to support them, but more support than we can provide is needed. Many people giving a little each will result in a significant amount. Join us in helping and blessing Dr. D. and his family.