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FIGHTING CANCER WITH TANGO
Ken Brown, tango dancer, recent champion and community organizer, was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia... A week later his employment contract suddenly ended. Story is below. I am asking the community for support on his behalf. Thank you!!
*****
Ken Brown, fighting mysterious fatigue since Jan 2019, would not give up on his dream to participate at the 2019 ATUSA in San Francisco, CA. So, while battling increasing bouts of sickness, Ken mustered the energy to compete. Ken and his dance partner Alexandra went on to win the 2019 ATUSA Salon Tango Seniors category and then placed 5th overall in the Tango de Pista category.
Back in Seattle the following week, Ken went downhill and called one of his practice partners, Mikelann, enroute to the ER. There, at the Swedish Medical Center ER, they were greeted with shocking news- Acute Myeloid Leukemia - blood cancer. Ken was admitted to the Swedish Oncology Ward within hours. The very next day, they started him on a very aggressive chemotherapy.
Mikelann called Alexandra who flew up from California, and then called Michelle Badion, his longtime tango teacher, coach and friend. Together, our team rallied around Ken with love and support, awaiting the prognosis and treatment plans. Eventually, the doctors shared that Ken will have a minimum of six months to a year of ongoing cancer treatment. He will do one round of chemo for a week, followed by three weeks of rest where his immune system goes to zero and then reboots. Rinse and Repeat every month. The Doctors are also activity looking for a Stem Cell Donor as an additional treatment option.
In the midst of all this, Ken’s employer lost their contract, resulting in a loss of employment for Ken. Due to this, it has become a battle to keep his medical insurance. Facing six months to a year of treatment where he cannot work, coupled with rising medical bills, you can imagine the financial stress. Ken would like to keep his tiny apartment, and attempt to stay on top of the bills and other related cancer care. This is hard to do when unemployed.
Ken is going to fight this with all he has. The doctors are impressed with his tenaciousness and positive attitude. And of course they know he will do anything to keep dancing tango. Tango and dancing is what gives him a reason to keep going.
Please help Ken fight and win this battle by donating to this fund. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please talk with Michelle and Mikelann when you see them on the Seattle dance floor if you have questions.
Happy Dancing to all of us,
Mikelann Valterra
Note: if you see Ken on the dance floor in the coming months, please know he is experiencing his one week window when his immune system is healthy enough for him to leave his apartment.
Ken Brown, tango dancer, recent champion and community organizer, was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia... A week later his employment contract suddenly ended. Story is below. I am asking the community for support on his behalf. Thank you!!
*****
Ken Brown, fighting mysterious fatigue since Jan 2019, would not give up on his dream to participate at the 2019 ATUSA in San Francisco, CA. So, while battling increasing bouts of sickness, Ken mustered the energy to compete. Ken and his dance partner Alexandra went on to win the 2019 ATUSA Salon Tango Seniors category and then placed 5th overall in the Tango de Pista category.
Back in Seattle the following week, Ken went downhill and called one of his practice partners, Mikelann, enroute to the ER. There, at the Swedish Medical Center ER, they were greeted with shocking news- Acute Myeloid Leukemia - blood cancer. Ken was admitted to the Swedish Oncology Ward within hours. The very next day, they started him on a very aggressive chemotherapy.
Mikelann called Alexandra who flew up from California, and then called Michelle Badion, his longtime tango teacher, coach and friend. Together, our team rallied around Ken with love and support, awaiting the prognosis and treatment plans. Eventually, the doctors shared that Ken will have a minimum of six months to a year of ongoing cancer treatment. He will do one round of chemo for a week, followed by three weeks of rest where his immune system goes to zero and then reboots. Rinse and Repeat every month. The Doctors are also activity looking for a Stem Cell Donor as an additional treatment option.
In the midst of all this, Ken’s employer lost their contract, resulting in a loss of employment for Ken. Due to this, it has become a battle to keep his medical insurance. Facing six months to a year of treatment where he cannot work, coupled with rising medical bills, you can imagine the financial stress. Ken would like to keep his tiny apartment, and attempt to stay on top of the bills and other related cancer care. This is hard to do when unemployed.
Ken is going to fight this with all he has. The doctors are impressed with his tenaciousness and positive attitude. And of course they know he will do anything to keep dancing tango. Tango and dancing is what gives him a reason to keep going.
Please help Ken fight and win this battle by donating to this fund. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please talk with Michelle and Mikelann when you see them on the Seattle dance floor if you have questions.
Happy Dancing to all of us,
Mikelann Valterra
Note: if you see Ken on the dance floor in the coming months, please know he is experiencing his one week window when his immune system is healthy enough for him to leave his apartment.