Help Aaron Byers and Family Battle Cancer

Hello, my name is Holly Thurman, and Aaron Byers (36) is my brother-in-law, lucky enough to score my beautiful little sister in marriage and be the father to 4 beautiful children we all adore. Anyone who knows Aaron knows he is THE comedic relief, and there isn’t much he wouldn’t do for the people he loves or someone in need. Now it is our turn to pay back the favor. Aaron has officially been diagnosed with Stage 3 Metastatic Melanoma of the lymph nodes, with Stage 4 still a possibility as additional tests are forthcoming.

Several weeks ago, Aaron found a lump under his bicep and believed he had pulled a muscle while working out. There was minimal pain, but within a week or so, the pain was worsening, and quickly. He scheduled a doctor’s visit and was immediately referred to receive an MRI of the lump on 3/12. The results showed the initial lump, as well as a secondary lump in his armpit, so they were then referred to orthopedic oncology, which occurred 3/26.

Since then, things have rapidly spiraled. Upon biopsy results, it was confirmed this was metastatic melanoma, and an MRI of the brain along with a full-body PET scan were ordered to determine if it had metastasized further. Last Tuesday, 4/8, he had his brain MRI, and on Thursday, 4/10, he had his full body PET scan. While the doctors do not see spread in the brain, abdomen, pelvis, etc. yet, additional tumors were located for a total of 5 (as of 4/14). Multiple techs during biopsy and at the PET appointment commented that these scans look completely different than the initial MRI and are shocked at the aggressiveness we are seeing; the tumor in his arm has nearly quadrupled in size, and the one in the armpit has also more than doubled (in a matter of weeks).

Unfortunately, they do not currently have medical insurance as he started a new job in January and it hasn’t kicked in. He has been unable to work for 4 weeks already due to pain and slowly losing mobility in his primary arm that affects his ability to complete plumbing jobs, which is devastating since Aaron is the breadwinner of this precious family. Because he is unable to work, he will not be able to hit the hours requirement to secure medical insurance. Medicaid is in progress, but has been tricky as he is still employed with “access” to said insurance. With the pain he is experiencing, we do not foresee him being able to return to work any time soon....

Our primary concern is medical bills, mortgage payments, and food on the table. We are doing all we can to keep stability for Aiden (13), Emilia (6), Elliott (5), and Huxton (4), all while giving some relief to Liz and Aaron as they continue this journey.

Additional tests are scheduled, as well as first immunotherapies, so I will update as more information becomes available. Any help is greatly appreciated--every dollar counts.

All our love to the Byers clan…