What about Bob? Not the movie, but Bob Petersen sure is one of a kind. Those of you that know Bob know this already, but if we'd describe him, we'd say that he is a golf enthusiast, computer and math wizard, and ultimate negotiator. The guy can build your deck, do your taxes, golf you under the table and drive a coach bus filled with a girls'/boys' hockey team in bad weather or a congested city and remain cool as a cucumber. We know that his wife, Carrie (Pesta) Petersen and their children, Kasandra (Kasi) and Khrystjan are his biggest fans and vice versa. He's the most unshakable, laid back, understanding, knowledgeable guy we know.

Unfortunately, on October 3rd, Bob was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and shortly after began chemotherapy. On December 13th, he had an appointment to go over the results of the PET scan and was again given news that was unexpected. The scan showed the cancer was not responding to the chemotherapy. His oncology team decided to not do the treatment scheduled that day and instead started to explore other options. DLBC lymphoma is curable but is also one of the aggressive and fast-growing types of cancer if left untreated.

Bob's care team decided he will be having a CAR-T cell transplant. This treatment, CAR-T Cell Therapy, is a bone marrow transplant. They will be able to use his stem cells to generate new, healthy, cancer-free bone marrow. This means he will not have to wait on a registry for a match and can get started right away. He will have stem cell extraction which is a 5-hour retrieval (similar to dialysis, but with the blood). The stem cells will be grown in a lab, he will have a few appointments in between to keep his symptoms at bay, and the bone marrow transplant will happen sometime at the end of January.

Once Infusion Day comes around, he will start his 30-day "extended stay" in Rochester. Thankfully, he will not have to stay in the hospital for the whole 30 days but will rather have to stay in close vicinity of the hospital and will need 24-hour care (supported by family/friends) for those 30 days. Luckily, Bob and Carrie were able to find an apartment in Rochester within walking distance to the hospital.

Carrie, Bob, Kasandra (Kasi) and Khrystjan continue to stay positive, but as you can imagine, this diagnosis and treatment plan come with emotional strain for all of them. Please continue to pray for Bob and his family and support them emotionally with words of love and encouragement through cards, texts, calls, etc. Feeling your love and support means so much to them and helps give them strength as they navigate through this difficult time. You can keep informed on Bob's status by visiting his CaringBridge site -

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobppetersen to read the latest posts in his journal updates.

If there's one thing we know, the Petersen family has a great support system with so many friends and family who care deeply about them. So, with all the above said, the reality is that Bob's diagnosis also comes with a financial burden. The apartment in Rochester, lost work wages, travel and medical expenses all come at a cost. We'd like to lift some of that financial burden from Carrie and Bob's shoulders so they can focus on his treatment plan and recovery. Every little bit helps. Thank you all for your support.