Cancer Sucks!! Please support Papa.

Today we celebrated Papa's (aka my Dad) 66th Birthday. Through a routine lab draw in late Spring, our family was stunned to learn he was in Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma (blood cancer), Acute Kidney Failure, and severely anemic. Since then, he has bravely made his way through countless Doctor's appointments, Chemo injections, transfusions, consultations, work-ups, and the list goes on. Despite the treachery, he has never waivered in his faith and trust in the Lord and has Bravely accepted what is and the challenge ahead. It is his determination and steadfast nature that has given me strength and comfort watching him lead our Family the past 41 years that I have been Blessed to call him my Father. Despite the fear and confusion that accompanies such a diagnosis, he has not waivered in his faith. Today, what I think is a perfect Birthday gift, we learned that the Chemo has been working successfully and he will be admitted to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Center later this month for a Stem Cell Transplant!! While I try to abate my own anxiety, I have heard countless success stories about the research and advancements in cancer treatment coming out of our region. I remain Confident in the ability of science and medicine and am humbled to live in such a cutting edge geographical location that we may not have to live through the heartache of losing Papa, aka my Dad, too soon, to such a horrible event as cancer.

I am optimistic that Papa, aka, my Dad, will make a remarkable recovery and go on to beat this ugly Cancer, but it will not go without cost... Being accepted in the SCCA means that He and his wife, my Mom, need to relocate to Seattle for the next few months. Housing allowance is not granted and Seattle is far from affordable. Medical and pharmaceutical bills are compounding. All the while we need to ensure their home is intact and ready for them to return to for a speedy recovery to celebrate many more Birthdays.

Today, I humbly ask for strength and support from our community, from our band of circled wagons, from our friends and family.... If you can contribute only a little, we are forever in your debt.