Ten years ago, our dear friend Brandon Sand suffered an unexpected stroke at the age of 27 after which he discovered he had Lyme disease and Bartonella, both bacterial infections that continuously attack the body. He has been in and out of the hospital continuing to battle these diseases, and it is an uphill battle. When he thought he had a handle on managing his illnesses, he had emergency surgery to put 2 stents in his heart due to an unexplained 90% block of the widow maker artery. We're lucky to still have him around today. 

More recently, he developed symptoms so painful and unlike anything he has ever experienced. After a series of tests, his fears were confirmed - he has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called polycythemia vera where a sudden mutation of the JAK2 gene results in underproduction of red blood cells. There is no cure for polycythemia vera, but it can be managed with weekly blood transfusions and pain management treatments to prevent it from developing into leukemia. 

Those who know Brandon know he is a guy who will make sacrifices for the benefit of others. Even as a father of 3 girls under 3 years old, he is always available to  those in need. The tables have turned and now he needs us. This is where we can help. Brandon's insurance covers only a small portion of the treatments. He and his family would be so grateful if you could donate any amount to help save his life from the grip of this fatal illness if left untreated.