Help Colbi While He Fights Leukemia

Story

Incredibly patient, a rock of a human being to lean on, husband and Dad, art and music lover, instrument player, hard worker and provider. Funny… always completely himself. Chill. These are just a few words our family uses to describe Colbi. Besides being a great husband and father, he is also a son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and our loved and cherished person who is now fighting leukemia. On November 23rd, Colbi and our family received the news that he had blood cancer. His symptoms at first could be easily ignored or brushed off, thinking they weren’t a big deal. They started a little under two weeks before his admission to the hospital…. headaches, dizziness, fatigue and some body aches, but nothing too out of the ordinary and a bruise/bump on his knee that he couldn’t explain and wrote off as a work injury. The night before Colbi went to the hospital, he and his wife Taylor noticed petechiae (pinpoint, round spots that appear on skin as a result of bleeding) all over his legs, and that’s when Taylor began to think something was wrong. On November 23rd, when Colbi decided to go to the hospital, he felt dizzy and uncoordinated and thought he should be checked out, thinking maybe he was anemic. After a physical exam and blood testing at the hospital, doctors determined that he had leukemia. Colbi was in complete shock. He’s 29 years old, takes good care of himself, works hard… and never saw this coming. It was a huge diagnosis to wrap his head around. His first thought was of Taylor and their son Kai… he had to go home and tell his family, and he didn’t want to tell Taylor over the phone. When he told the doctor he’d head home, tell his family and then head into the hospital; they made it clear it was much more severe and advised him to start further testing and begin treatment immediately. Numerous tests were done rapidly, including a bone biopsy, ultrasounds, scans and more blood tests. His healthcare team, led by Dr. Wall at the U of A, advised Colbi he had acute myeloid leukemia. Had he waited even another few days to a week, it would be an entirely different story. They made it clear it would have been an end-of-life conversation, with 2-3 weeks to live. While we’re unsure of the long-term support Colbi and his family may need, we do know this… Colbi is in the U of A for at least 30 days. During the first 7 days he receives an aggressive chemo treatment (that began the night of November 25th) 24 hours a day, followed by three weeks or so of monitoring – we’re hopeful he’ll be released just in time for Christmas. Following that, he will be on a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation for 12 – 18 months, with a potential stem cell transplant in the new year. We are so, so grateful that his health care team is optimistic that this treatment will be to cure and not just treat. However, Colbi will likely be very sick during continued treatment for at least the next year and could continue for the next three to five years, depending on how his body responds. If he needs a stem cell transplant, that means heading to Calgary for 3 months, which will present its own challenges. But, one step at a time. With that forecast, Colbi will likely be unable to work for the next 12 - 18 months during his treatments. With the nature of being an operator on a paving crew coming into winter, Colbi had just been laid off before his diagnosis. Even with all the programs being applied for to help his family with expenses, they need your help. Colbi and Taylor are responsible, have a budget and know what they need to do. We’re hoping you can help close some of the financial gaps they’ll be facing, and your donations will go toward paying their mortgage and bills, looking after their gorgeous son Kai and ensuring they can get to and from treatment. Thank you in advance for any amount you’re able to donate. Colbi wants to leave this with you: 1. Donations are beyond appreciated, and no amount is too small; 2. Whether you can afford to donate or not, please, PLEASE share this post; and finally 3. He wants his story to impact how you care for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t ignore symptoms, however small they may appear to be. Get checked out. See your doctor. Days made a difference for Colbi; he wants the same for you. A few words from Taylor on her husband: “What I love about Colbi is his passion for life. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know and is unapologetically himself. I love what an amazing and patient father and partner he is. I’m inspired by how he can truly do anything he puts his mind to. His unwavering belief in me pushes me to be the best version of myself daily.” We are so grateful for the support of our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. We appreciate your help in providing financial relief for Colbi, Taylor and Kai. With love and gratitude, Colbi’s Family.