"Fill the Tub" for Jeff and April Runyan

Jeff Runyan was diagnosed in 2008 with a rare and aggressive cancer called Burkitt's Lymphoma. Burkitt's is the fastest cancer known to man, capable of doubling in size every 24 hours. He was diagnosed with a second cancer, T-Cell Lymphoma, in 2020. Both due to his exposure during his time of service in the Army to chemicals and herbicides.

Jeff found the battle lonely when he sought online support and knowledge, so he founded one of the first support groups for those afflicted by Burkitt's Lymphoma. The support group grew and evolved into the non-profit organization called The Burkitt's Lymphoma Society: http://burkittslymphomasociety.com.

What started as one man's effort to receive support, morphed into a long term support and advocacy group impacting thousands around the globe.

Jeff and his wife, April, find their joy in raising goats, a few head of cattle, sweet dogs, raising their family, and serving others since the inception of the initial group on Facebook in 2010.

They mostly operate quietly in the background, ensuring everything is working to benefit those suffering from Burkitt's Lymphoma. Jeff has personally communicated with many families one on one, assisting caregivers desperate to find help for their loved ones afflicted with Burkitt's Lymphoma.

Jeff and April Runyan need our help. This is our first ever opportunity to give back to the Runyan family.

Jeff is an army veteran, disabled from his time in service, and is battling continual medical challenges.

One of the bigger challenges has been crippling leg pain from neuropathy. One of his interventions historically was to take his aching legs and soak them in the family tub. While minor in impact, it did provide a level of relief and comfort and something to look forward to on a regular basis.

Jeff and April live in a country setting. They depend upon a well for water. Their 720 foot deep water well was drilled in 2001. The water table in this area is quite deep, and going deeper with the additional building of homes.

Their well is dying.

They now have insufficient water supply to fill their tub. It appears this summer they will reach a critical juncture with their diminishing water supply. The well needs full rehabilitation and possibly deepened. The cost is enormous, with estimates beginning at approximately $15,000. This is far beyond their ability to pay.

I became aware of their need after Jeff made a post seeking advice for the pain in his legs, commenting that soaking his legs used to help but their water supply has dwindled and they no longer can fill the tub on a regular basis.

I am asking you to help "fill the tub" for Jeff and April Runyan.

My name is Robert Baxter, and I am one who has benefitted tremendously from the creation of the first Burkitt's Lymphoma group online. I believe the world-wide Lymphoma community, as well as those who support military veterans, can raise enough money to help fully rehabilitate their water well, and possibly expand their water supply to last for many years to come.

Would you be willing to help "fill the tub"?