From Dan and Amber!

UPDATE! First off, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for the love, support, prayers and the contributions to the GoFundMe that was set ip for us. We are overwhelmed by the outreach we have received. It has all helped so much! And big thanks to our friends and family who have pitched in to attend medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, bring food, and help keep an eye on Dan. It really does take a village! We’re so grateful and promise to continue to pay it forward. As some of you are aware, we recently met with Dan’s oncologist, and confirmed his multiple myeloma is stage 3 (the most advanced stage) and he’s high risk due to chromosome abnormalities that have developed. He’s facing an aggressive treatment plan of 4-6 months of chemo, followed by an autologous bone marrow transplant (stem cell transplant) at Stanford. Dan continues to be in extreme amount of pain and we’re just focusing on one day at a time to help keep him as comfortable as possible. We are remaining positive and full of hope. We are surrounded by an amazing medical team and we are thankful for the advancement in treatment options. There’s no cure, but we are focused on doing everything we can to effectively manage and control it. I wish I could reach out to everyone personally to express our appreciation…and in time I plan to. I will continue to provide updates as we know more. Please know that we are forever grateful and touched by your love and support. ❤️

My name is Torie Gibson, and I've had the absolute privilege of calling Dan and Amber my friends for nearly 30 years. But honestly, they're so much more than friends - they are family to me and so many others.

In early June, Dan received a devastating diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma, a form of blood cancer that primarily attacks the bone marrow but can also impact other organs. He has multiple lesions throughout his bones, which make them very fragile and cause him constant pain. Sadly, some of the damage to his organs cannot be reversed at this point. There is no cure for this type of cancer, but they hold on to hope of long-term remission. The good news is that treatments have come a long way, and there are options available, but this diagnosis has changed everything.

Despite the heartbreak, especially for Brock and Aubrey, the whole family is showing incredible strength and determination. They are ready to take this head-on with all of us right here with them every step of the way.

Late last week, Dan and Amber met with his oncologist to go over the results of his bone marrow biopsy and finalize the treatment plan. Dan has been diagnosed with Stage 3, the most advanced stage, and is considered high risk due to a significant genetic abnormality (deletion of the p17 chromosome), among other chromosomal mutations. This makes treatment more complicated and outcomes less predictable. However, Dan has already started chemotherapy and will begin a more intensive treatment regimen this week. He will undergo four to six months of chemo, followed by a stem cell transplant at Stanford. After chemo is complete, they will reassess how his body is responding.

During the transplant, Dan will be in isolation with only one other person for a minimum of a month. Amber will plan to be with Dan during his time at Stanford. This will require a month away from home, their kids, and any sense of "normal" life. Right now, we are all holding onto the small wins that Dan's blood work is improving, his kidneys are doing better, and he has a treatment plan. That is what they will continue to focus on: one day at a time.

Amber has been off work since Dan's diagnosis and will need to continue to stay home to care for him at times. Her time off will be unpaid, and Dan is no longer able to work. On top of everyday life with two active kids, they're now facing major financial burdens: travel costs, housing near Stanford, medical expenses not covered by insurance, and supplies to keep Dan as comfortable as possible during treatment. Their goal is to keep things as normal for Aubrey and Brock as possible, which also comes with expenses that they will need to navigate.

If you know Dan and Amber, you know they are the last people to ever ask for help. But now, they need it. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help ease the stress of the months ahead and allow them to focus on what truly matters: Dan's health and creating meaningful moments with Brock and Aubrey, especially with so much unknown ahead.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering a donation or simply sharing their story. Your love and support truly mean the world.

With love,

Torie