Help Shelli fight leukemia

Dear Friends and Family,

After careful consideration and thoughtful prayer, we have decided to start a GoFundMe for Shelli and Mike Landers.

With Shelli’s lymphoma and now the most recent diagnosis of Acute Monocystic Leukemia (AML), the last seven years have brought major medical interventions, a variety of medical treatments and, of course, some significant  financial hurdles. 

Although they would never ask for a dime from anyone, Shelli and Mike truly need our help as they fight to overcome Shelli’s recent leukemia diagnosis and hopefully her upcoming bone marrow transplant.

Many of you may remember the long journey that Shelli has already endured - her health journey began 6 years ago with her lymphoma diagnosis.  The next few years brought Shelli many rounds of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, the MS diagnosis, and a long list of other side effects that go along with fighting cancer.

But, for those of you who know Shelli, know that she never allows one day to go by without finding joy in that day.  Shelli’s joy is found in loving others - especially children. She has loved dearly all the kids who have walked through the doors at the Fort Worth Museum School over the last 30 years.  Most recently, she has spread her happiness and joy to kids in the Southlake area while serving as a substitute teacher. And of course, her real joys are her two precious grandsons.

Mike, as well, has been blessed to serve so many children and families, first as a children’s pastor, then as an educator and school administrator.  Although it was a very difficult decision, he felt it was best and necessary that he devote his full attention to Shelli’s medical care, (supporting her with the daily commutes to UTSW, frequent and lengthy hospital stays, and providing around the clock in-home medical care - please see Shelli’s Caring Bridge page www.caringbridge.org/visit/shellilanders ).  Therefore, he is now taking a respite from his position as principal at an elementary school.  

While Shelli and Mike have spent the last six years battling Shelli’s lymphoma diagnosis, they worked hard to maintain both medical expenses and their daily living expenses.  With Shelli’s bone marrow transplant (now pending a donor match), the Landers have depleted their savings and emergency funds.

This next fight for Shelli’s health is much more intensive and invasive.  We are asking for your support toward Shelli’s current and upcoming medical expenses and their daily living needs during this time.  While health insurance does cover some of her treatment costs, not all needed procedures are fully covered by insurance to fight this awful cancer.  

For those who know Shelli and Mike, these two have spent the majority of their 35-year marriage supporting, loving and serving those who are truly in need of a hug, a listening ear, or just simply a smile.   There a several ways that you can now help support Shelli and Mike. 1. Please keep praying for Shelli’s healing. 2. A monetary donation would help support them financially. 3. Donate blood in Shelli’s name. 4.  Become a bone marrow donor

Thank you so much for loving and caring for Shelli and Mike.

Cheryl Landers-Harrison (Shelli's sister-in-law)

**as a side note: Mike and Shelli are receiving your kind support using their full names: Donald Michael Landers and Shelli S. Landers**