Edit as of June 2026:

A lot has changed since I first created this fundraiser. I've posted a full update below, but the short version is that Marc's cancer has reached the point where a transplant is no longer possible, and we've shifted to keeping him comfortable and making the most of our time together. If you're able to give, please read the update for where things stand and where your support goes. Thank you for being here.

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At the beginning of 2025, Marc noticed that his health was starting to decline. Not long after, he started struggling with full-body pain, weakness, fatigue, enlarged spleen, and sudden weight loss. In August of 2025, after many appointments, tests, and labs - including seven attempts at a bone marrow biopsy, Marc was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called "Myelofibrosis." This is a cancer caused by genetic mutations in his DNA and can lay dormant for decades before symptoms pop up. We suspect that Marc may have been exposed to something while in the Marines.

In a nutshell, if you think of bone marrow as really lush soil, the fibrosis are the brambles and thorns that choke out the nutrients and suffocate the soil so that it can't produce. That is what happened to Marc's bone marrow, it's full of scarring that doesn't allow for proper blood production. Without treatment, myelofibrosis is terminal. Marc is considered severely high-risk and was given a prognosis of 16-months without any intervention.

The only option for a cure is a bone marrow transplant, which we hope to take place in the Spring of 2026. Between now and then, we are working hard to get Marc physically prepared for a transplant. He is part of a clinical trial with the University of Kansas, where they are trying a test combination of medications, in hopes it gives him a better chance of a successful transplant.

The doctor (who is amazing) told Marc that he's fighting for his life, and we are all supporting him in any way possible. Marc is staying positive and knows that he will beat this. We are so blessed to have an amazing support system, but the expenses for Marc's care is starting to rapidly add up. Marc has to get blood infusions three times a week and we have to go to Kansas City for his trial treatment every few weeks. His fight is going to be long, but he's not alone.

It's difficult for me to put this out there and ask for help. I know so many others are hurting physically, emotionally, or financially. As I balance work, caregiving for Marc, and caring for our kids (including addressing their respective special needs and maintaining their regular appointments), the expenses are adding up faster than we can handle. We humbly ask that if you feel inclined to help, to please consider doing so.

If you can't give financially, but still wish to help:

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent us their prayers, thoughts, encouragement, support, and donations. We could not do this without our community!