Fight for Kelly's kidneys while he battles cancer!

Never did we imagine when we learned that Kelly's kidney labs were a bit abnormal that we would not only obtain a Stage 4 Kidney Disease diagnosis with unknown cause, but also hear the words "you have lymphoma". Kelly's medical history does not typically warrant any type of kidney disease risk, nor did he have any symptoms of potential cancer. Yet, here we find ourselves.

December 1, 2023 Kelly was officially diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma, a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma post biopsy of a mass in the mesentery of his gut that was found incidentally during a scan of his kidneys. Thankfully, as of today (1/8/24), Kelly continues to be asymptomatic regarding this 10-11cm mass.

After oncology visits, a PET Scan, nephrology appointments, and consults to find the best course of treatment, we have learned that Kelly's treatment pursuits are complicated. Due to his kidney function being significantly lacking for unknown reason, this complicates treatment pursuits for the cancer. On one hand, maybe the cancer is causing the kidney woes. On the other, no one knows. Typically a baseline plan of care for non-hodgkins lymphoma is conventional chemotherapy. The mass should be super responsive to chemo per the providers. We were prescribed a particular chemo regimen with expectations of 4.5 months worth (a session every 3 weeks during that time) of chemo that not only includes the standard side effects of chemotherapy but also produces significant risk for Kelly's kidney function. This suggested plan of care also states that "curing" isn't the goal, and noted the norm expectation was that once the mass is gone and Kelly is in "remission", it's likely that in 2-3 years the lymphoma would return and chemo would be needed again, creating another large concern for Kelly's kidneys.

Therefore, we pursued other options. We yearned and desired to find a plan of care that would fight for Kelly's kidney function while he also battles cancer. We found an integrated comprehensive cancer care program that seems to be the perfect fit for Kelly's specific body needs. A pursuit to support and fight for Kelly's kidney function (and whole body) while also battling the cancer that has been found. A blend of conventional treatment (low dose chemo, hyperthermia/thermal therapy, etc) with holistic naturopath support (diet, exercise, immune support infusions, counseling, etc) - truly integrated therapy.

The program at Oasis of Healing will be intense, and at least 6 weeks in Arizona, more likely 8-12 weeks worth of treatment. It will be a full-time job focus for Kelly, working to help restore his health. He will be at the clinic Monday through Friday 8am-430p. There will be tons of logistics for our family to figure out and we plan to keep everyone up to date with our website (Southern Roots Adventure Soul). Thankfully, Kelly's mom lives about 2 hours from the clinic and we found relatively inexpensive flight options direct from MT to AZ.

We pursued the best plan of care for Kelly without worrying about finances, but the reality is that things cost - especially when it becomes out of pocket due to having aspects outside of the conventional plan of care. And, as uncomfortable as it can be to ask for help, we acknowledge that God is ultimately the one who provides and all we can do is share the need and let God take care of it from there (often through the amazing community He has provided to us). We feel unworthy, but keep getting asked "how can we help", so we share.

The goal amount was updated to $120K on Feb 12 at the start of Week 6 of treatment. We now know that Kelly will have 8 weeks worth of treatment. The original goal of 95K was the equivalent of 6 weeks worth of Kelly's specific comprehensive care program - $15,000 per week - plus a little to cover the transaction fees that will come out before it hits our account. Go Fund Me does not charge for their services but there aer standard processing fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction that apply. If you would like to give and skip transaction fees for processing you can give directly via Venmo @Heather-McGugan or contact Heather for a mailing address. All offline donations are being noted within GoFundMe goal totals once received.

**NOTE: No funds given directly for Kelly's treatment are being utilized for any living expenses while in AZ, travel expenses, or additional family expenses incurred for this health journey. Your donations will go straight to Kelly's treatment costs. Thank you.

Pray. Share. Give.

Whichever you choose, any or all, we are so thankful!

The McGugans

Kelly, Heather, Kyler, Declan and Brady