Hello Friends and Family,

We are so grateful to all of you who contributed to our previous GoFundMe campaign for Nat. Your donations helped to cover the many medical and wellness procedures that literally kept him alive and contributed to the progress below…I am writing this for those who are new to Nat's journey and those who have known about his illness. If you would like more detail, the original GoFundme is included below this update.

For those who are just learning about Nat's illness, last Summer Nat was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma a rare and incurable blood cancer that manifests in the bones. He went through a long journey of respiratory distress and pneumonia in the ICU, a tracheostomy and rehabilitation to be able to breathe off a ventilator.

After 5 long months in hospitals, Nat was discharged and is now living with family in the Bay Area. His home health care program and physical therapy is going well. With continued care from Amitabha Medical Clinic and Healing Center and UCSF Hematology and Oncology, Nat is now officially in remission! Nat’s tracheotomy was finally removed and he is now using less oxygen to support his breathing. Thank you for helping to make all of this possible!

Dr. Eliaz at Amitabha Medical Clinic began Apheresis treatments for Nat in March and advised that these should be done every 2 weeks at $3500 per visit. These are in addition to other costly out-of-pocket costs of treatment and doctor-recommended health maintenance (nutritional supplements, copays, transportation, etc.).

Multiple Myeloma is a vigilant cancer that requires ongoing, consistent treatment. As such, it is incredibly expensive. We have received grant monies in addition to the contributions previously raised and are still in need of support to continue Nat’s healing journey. Nat has been recently forced into early retirement so family and community support is essential. If you are in a position to do so, we would greatly appreciate any contribution you are able to make to this new Gofundme campaign.

Thank you to everyone who has stayed in touch and inquired after Nat’s care in the midst of the challenges you all were facing in your own lives and communities. These gestures are invaluable. The love and care you have shared has carried our family through.

However this message finds you, we hope you are finding ways to cultivate joy and hope and that you’re soaking up every moment you can with loved ones!

Sending gratitude and love to All.

(For those who are not familiar with Nat’s journey, please see the original post below this one.)

Original post Summer 2020:

A few months ago I was joking with my 10-year older brother about his aloe juice cleansing and yoga lifestyle. He was the epitome of health and I kidded him that even though he was the oldest, he would always actually be younger than me. And today I’m writing this from his hospital room where he’s been for the past 6 weeks fighting for his life. Multiple Myeloma, a very rare blood cancer that causes cancer cells to build in the bone marrow, hit suddenly, progressed rapidly, and has changed the course of his life forever.

Our family has been with Nat in the ICU and oncology unit  as much as possible given COVID-19 constraints. We have been doing our best to advocate for his care as his cancer progressed so quickly he had to have a tracheostomy and now cannot speak for himself. If you know Nat, you know him to be one of the most vibrant, fun-loving, gentle spirits that exists on this planet. In his 50’s he has had more youthful energy than I can remember having had at any age. As you can imagine, this has all been a major blow to our family.

 While not curable, Multiple Myeloma is treatable. However, the specialized treatments are extremely expensive and Nat’s insurance benefits will run out soon given his inability to work. There is no doubt we will do everything in our power, but we realize we need help to do so. Most who know me know that’s not something I ask for easily. But this is for my brother and I will do whatever I can to help him live.

We are asking those who are moved to do so, to contribute to this fund. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. We know times are tough for so many of us, so completely understand if you aren’t in a place to donate.

Regardless, please be safe, be well, be kind, and treasure time with those you love.

In gratitude and love.