I’m Bruce Nygren’s wife, Elly. I am writing on behalf of Bruce and our family.

For those of you who don’t know, Bruce was recently diagnosed with high grade, aggressive bladder cancer, which is life threatening. As you can imagine, this was a tremendous shock and has upended our entire life. We are asking for your help with the medical and other related expenses necessary to help Bruce recover from the cancer. With the proper treatment, he has an excellent chance because, other than the cancer, he is essentially healthy and, above all, he has a strong will and determination to live.

The cost of fighting the cancer is way above our income. We have already incurred costs in the thousands of dollars, (way above our income and capacity to recoup), since the diagnosis about two months ago, and treatment is just beginning. I am still working to provide basic living expenses but am 73 years old, and have my own significant health issues which are very costly. Also, I’ll have to miss a substantial amount of work in order to accompany Bruce to medical treatments, be available during his upcoming hospitalization and for travel out-of-state for surgery and hospitalization.

Treatment involves major surgery to remove the bladder and create a substitute bladder. It is a complicated surgery and is considered more involved and with a longer recovery period than open heart surgery. After recovery, there is a year of a form of chemotherapy called immunotherapy.

We live in Arkansas where there is limited access to experienced surgeons, so we’ll be travelling to Johns Hopkins in DC for surgery and about two months of recovery.

In addition, Bruce is working with an excellent integrative MD, specializing in cancer, to help strengthen him for surgery and recovery. But, as with most alternative medical practices, they don’t accept insurance and the cost of treatment is exorbitant. It is especially necessary in Bruce’s case though, because he tried the pre-surgery chemotherapy, which is standard of care, and wasn’t able to tolerate it. So, he is in need of alternative options pre- and post-surgery.

Bruce and his family would be grateful for whatever you feel inspired to contribute to Bruce’s journey in overcoming this life-threatening challenge.

We are asking for funds for:

• Medical expenses for traditional medicine not covered by Medicare, including a $6,000 deductible

• Medical expenses for integrative medical treatments which are entirely out of pocket

• Medical equipment and after care

• Out of state travel expenses to Johns Hopkins for surgery

• Missed work for Elly who is their sole financial support

• Expenses for essential home/yard upkeep that Bruce isn’t able to perform

A word about Bruce: For those of you who know Bruce, no words are necessary. For those who don’t – Here is what the family says about Bruce:

“Bruce is one half of one of the great love stories of the last century, and of this one. Having married while still in college, in the face of strong family opposition, Bruce and Elly were pioneers in British Columbia, and lifelong spiritual seekers, learners and in turn wise guides for countless others.

When the pressures of life drew them apart, they each remarried, but the bonds of enduring love and their mutual commitment to their daughter kept them in each other’s hearts and, in 2009, they remarried in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains outside Boulder, where Elly had lived for many years.

Bruce is a person of so many talents: a skilled carpenter, he supported himself and family making custom cabinets and built a beautiful and innovative home in southern Colorado. He has been a wonderful father both to their daughter and to the son of his second marriage and to his stepdaughter from his second marriage. He and Elly have two lovely young grandsons whom they have terribly missed seeing in person during these pandemic years. Together Bruce and Elly have helped countless people in their personal and spiritual quests, teaching meditation, bringing people together and counseling people. Bruce is also a poet and a beautiful singer. He is facing this overwhelming challenge with characteristic dignity, humor and strength. Any help you are able to render will be greatly appreciated and will help two of the people who have in their turn helped so many others”.

A note from Bruce:

I honestly don't like asking for money, but in this case I know it is necessary for Elly's and my continued life, with all these extra expenses. I have received so much love and emotional support since my diagnosis! It is teaching me the true value of friendship.

I want you to know that no matter what amount you can donate, or if you can't donate or choose not to, just the fact that you have read this far lets me know I am supported, and I am grateful. Thank you!