Dusty or sometimes better known as “D”, was hospitalized after getting very sick in mid-April 2019. Dusty was admitted to the hospital while experiencing a really bad fever which he was unable to break. While working to diagnose the issue, blood work and various tests were run to determine how to proceed with treatment. Quickly it was determined that Dusty’s blood work, liver and spleen were all providing some very abnormal results, everyone feared the worst as the dreaded “cancer” word was thrown around by his doctors. After a barrage of additional testing, it was believed that Dusty had either Lymphoma or Leukemia and at the time, Lymphoma was believed to be the cause. I had never thought I’d see a group of people celebrate a Lymphoma diagnosis but there was broad relief among us all to have an initial answer and start treatment. Upon transferring to the University of Minnesota, Dusty’s tests continued and to the dismay of family and friends, we learned that it was not actually lymphoma, but Leukemia. Adding to the devastating news, it was determined that this was no normal Leukemia, this was a very rare form of Leukemia called NK Cell Leukemia. As if it seemed the news couldn’t get worse, we were then notified that it was accompanied by HLH virus which further added to the complication of providing treatment. 

All of this has happened so fast, to learn of this and jump into a barrage of heavy treatment plans in a matter of two weeks has shaken us all. Surrounded by family and friends Dusty responded with an outlook you could only expect from him. He remained positive, level headed and encouraged in the face of this horrible diagnosis. For those who know Dusty well, he has a network of family and friends that rivals any. He is humble, kind, selfless and all around one of the nicest guys you’d ever meet. 

Dusty’s condition deteriorated quicker than anyone could imagine possible for a healthy 32 year old man. On May 6th Dusty passed away surrounded by family and friends and now rests in heaven with his little sister Katie. He is already missed having touched so many of us throughout our lives. 

Dusty has always been the person that was there for others when they needed it, so it is with a heavy heart that we share this news. So many have asked what they can do to help and in a situation such as this, unfortunately so little can be done. We do ask for your prayers and well wishes for the entire family. This campaign is being opened up for those wishing to donate to Dusty and his family as they pursue the difficult task of planning and executing a funeral to honor this great man. This is the opportunity to give back to the person that has always been there for everyone else. This campaign’s contributions will be used directly to assist Dusty’s family with any outstanding financial liabilities and funeral costs associated with Dusty’s last few weeks.

We will work to provide updates through this portal and via social media when applicable. Thank you for your consideration and any prayers as we say goodbye to one truly special person. The one, the only, D



The beneficiary to this campaign will be designated as Shari Ellert who is Dusty's mom. Our hearts go out to her during this difficult time.