Hello to everyone taking the time to read about our friends story!

On Friday, September 5th, our friend Amanda Blakey's 19 year old son, Marty, went to the ER because he was having trouble breathing and had swelling in his arm. After being seen, he was informed he had a large mass in his chest and they were concerned it could be cancerous.

Marty moved to San Antonio, TX just a few weeks prior to play college basketball, while his mom, Amanda, stayed at their home in Cedar Rapids, IA. As soon as she heard the news, Amanda hopped in her car and drove to San Antonio to be with Marty. Since her arrival, testing has confirmed that he has T-Cell Lymphoma. As of 09/12 he has undergone two biopsies, a spinal tap, and bone marrow testing to further determine the stage of cancer.

Once they know what he is dealing with, Marty and Amanda will be (hopefully) medically transported back to Iowa so he can undergo treatment at University of Iowa Hospital. Amanda has not been able to work this week, and will most likely be unable to for the foreseeable future. They are currently hundreds of miles away from home and expect the financial burden of this medical journey to grow considerably. It would mean the world to them, and their friends and family, if you are able to donate to ensure Amanda can provide the care Marty is going to need for the next few months and beyond. The only thing Marty loves more than playing ball is his mom, and he means everything to her - please help us help them to be able to have a safe, healthy journey through this difficult and scary time. All donations will be used for living expenses while in Texas, monthly bills, medical care, and transport between home and the hospital. We will provide updates as we learn more.