Brian Hill's Battle Against Multiple Myeloma
Donation protected
Brian was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the end of March 2020. This is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cells in the bone marrow, that currently is uncurable. The best hope is remission, which is achieved through chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant.
Brian finished his first 4-cycle chemotherapy treatment in July & is now preparing for the stem cell transplant. This transplant will be autologous, which means he will be treated with his own donated stem cells. This process, called apheresis or stem cell harvest, was arduous but successful at the end of July. The next step is the stem cell transplant which will begin in a few days. Brian will be given a strong dose of chemotherapy to eradicate the remaining tumorous cells; unfortunately, this chemotherapy also destroys his bone marrow. The harvested stem cells will be infused back into his system & begin to slowly do their job of regrowing his bone marrow. This requires inpatient treatment of University of Michigan Hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks, followed by at least 100 days of recovery at home before a return to normal activities.
Brian has not been able to work since his diagnosis in March and will not be able to return on even a part time basis until late November. Co-pays, deductibles & non-covered costs (including extensive dental work needed to receive dental clearance for the stem cell transplant & treatment of a lytic lesion on his hip) have accumulated, adding financial concerns to the increasing physical & emotional stress of battling cancer.
During this difficult time, we appreciate any assistance you can offer to help offset some of these medical expenses & allow Brian to concentrate on getting healthy again. All donations & support are immeasurably appreciated. We are all staying as positive as possible through this trial, taking it all one step at a time & celebrating the victories as they come.
Brian finished his first 4-cycle chemotherapy treatment in July & is now preparing for the stem cell transplant. This transplant will be autologous, which means he will be treated with his own donated stem cells. This process, called apheresis or stem cell harvest, was arduous but successful at the end of July. The next step is the stem cell transplant which will begin in a few days. Brian will be given a strong dose of chemotherapy to eradicate the remaining tumorous cells; unfortunately, this chemotherapy also destroys his bone marrow. The harvested stem cells will be infused back into his system & begin to slowly do their job of regrowing his bone marrow. This requires inpatient treatment of University of Michigan Hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks, followed by at least 100 days of recovery at home before a return to normal activities.
Brian has not been able to work since his diagnosis in March and will not be able to return on even a part time basis until late November. Co-pays, deductibles & non-covered costs (including extensive dental work needed to receive dental clearance for the stem cell transplant & treatment of a lytic lesion on his hip) have accumulated, adding financial concerns to the increasing physical & emotional stress of battling cancer.
During this difficult time, we appreciate any assistance you can offer to help offset some of these medical expenses & allow Brian to concentrate on getting healthy again. All donations & support are immeasurably appreciated. We are all staying as positive as possible through this trial, taking it all one step at a time & celebrating the victories as they come.
Organizer
Jodi Hill
Organizer
Trenton, MI