My dad is in the fight of his life. Routine lab work showed my dad’s WBC count to be 98,000, and his CBC with differential shows blasts in the range of 9,800 and very low platelets. What does that mean? It means my dad has leukemia. He had a bone marrow biopsy to see which kind of leukemia he has and then will start treatment. My dad is partially disabled after an accident at the steel mill that left his ankle broken with multiple failed fusions. He also lost his Social Security/Medicare due to working over the hour amount for ONE MONTH but still being significantly under for the year. We are currently fighting to get it re-instated. He has been in and out of the hospital, had a bone marrow biopsy, and is currently in the ER as I type this.

My parents are still trying to recover financially after my mom's two rounds of triple-negative breast cancer that left her completely disabled. His treatment with Sprycel is $18000 a month without insurance. Leukemia and lymphoma society can’t help us as the program for patient assistance is currently full. Without insurance, he isn’t eligible for a patient savings card from the drug manufacturer.

My father means the world to us. We are not ready to lose him and we refuse to. He is the best dad a girl could ask for and the best pappy in the world.

Up until my mom's cancer, we held bike runs in my brother’s memory, used our own money for food/setup/t-shirts, and donated 100% of the proceeds to the Andrew Latta Memorial Scholarship Fund and Yes Camp, both organizations benefiting and supporting Bentworth students. Now I am asking the same amazing community to once again help my family. My dad will not be able to work during treatment and will be in the hospital for extended periods of time through the chemo course.

My dad is a former Marine and was also in the National Guard until he was honorably discharged.

He needs to focus on fighting for his life and not worry about losing the roof over his head. Anything will help! If you cannot donate, please share!