Houston was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia, AMoL. This type of leukemia has a very rapid onset and requires immediate treatment for any chance at a good out come. Houston was admitted to the hospital on Friday, had a confirmed diagnosis by Saturday, and began chemo on Wednesday. He will not be able to leave the hospital at all as he undergoes his chemo treatments. There was no time to prepare or plan for this battle, and he is truly fighting for his life. We are asking for help with the hospital bills that are sure to pile up and for support for his family as well.

So who is Houston? I'd love to tell you a bit about him. Houston grew up here in Waterloo IA, the eldest son of 6 in a blended family. He's always been an active guy and would rather be outside shooting hoops or fishing than wasting his time indoors. He's always loved his family fiercely, and now that hes got kids of his own hes really leaned into his role as dad full force. Being in the hospital for the next 6 to 10 weeks unable to be there for his family is like torture.

I met Houston when he was just a little preschooler with a big ol head of curls and a smile that definitely gave you the feeling he was up to a bit of mischief. His aunt Mandy would bring him around when she was babysitting after school sometimes. Houston was a great little sidekick for her, he was always up for an adventure. Even way back then he had the kind of laugh where you could locate him in a crowd just from the sound of his joy bubbling over. Hes funny and happy, but still sensitive and thoughtful at times. Years later I married his Uncle and got to claim that goofy kid as my nephew. Watching my husband Brian pal around with Houston as his little shadow was the first glimpse I had of what a great Dad Brian could be. Houston never lost that mischievous smile, and hes still the kind of guy who is always up for a crazy adventure. Houston lives his life full of joy, but his greatest joy really is his kids. I think being a dad might be his greatest adventure so far.

When Houston got his cancer diagnosis it was like a light was going out. I think it may have been one of the first times I didnt see that smile of his. He's got a wife and kids hes unable to support, unable to spend time with. The weight of all this is so heavy on his shoulders. He's doing everything he can to listen to the doctors and stay strong and positive, but I know the financial burden has the potential to drown him.

Im hoping we can help.

Every little bit we can help is one less thing for his family to stress about. I want him to be able to just focus on healing rather than worry himself dizzy about how hes supposed to support his family while hes in that hospital.

So here I am, asking you to give what you can or simply share my plea and help pass it on to others who might be able to help. Thanks for whatever help you give, thanks for supporting Houston and his family.