Dear Friends,

An update on Steven:

We learned this week that Steven will need to have his right index and middle fingers amputated. The orthopedic surgeon confirmed that, as a side effect of the earlier chemo, he lost blood flow to his fingers and they “died.” The surgery will take place within the next couple of weeks.

As many of you know, Steven’s first round of cancer treatment was largely successful, but the chemotherapy was extremely destructive. The chemo weakened his immune system so severely that he developed fungal meningitis, which left him without the use of his dominant hand. He spent months in the hospital and then continued meningitis treatment for nearly a year afterward, finally completing the course about five months ago. He has been in and out of doctors' offices every week since last July.

He still hasn't been approved for disability and hasn't had any income in over two years.

Another significant issue is that Steven has an aortic aneurysm, which will require invasive surgery to repair, but he must be fully cleared of cancer before they can proceed.

Recent bone marrow testing showed there is still some cancer remaining, so a new treatment began this week. Fortunately, this type of treatment is not chemotherapy; it’s a new medicine that should hopefully be far less destructive to his body.

He’ll have blood tests twice a month to monitor his response.

This week’s MRIs identified the path with his hand. As a result, we now have answers and a plan moving forward. The upcoming months will focus on safely guiding him through the amputation, managing the new cancer treatment, and keeping him stable enough to eventually treat the aneurysm.

Even in the face of life-altering news, he stays optimistic, retraining himself to use his left hand as he works to return to his art.

Thank you to everyone who has checked in, shared the link, donated, or helped in any way. It truly means the world.

With love and gratitude for your support.

_________________________________________________________

Friends

Our dear friend Steven and his beloved family have challenges ahead of them, and they need our support.

Steven has been recently diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia, a relatively rare form of cancer - yet treatable. While everyone is relieved with the outcome of his diagnosis, it hasn’t come without a cost.

On a good day, it is not easy out there for a Working Artist - to come up against an unexpected medical expense quickly becomes burdensome, let alone one that has required so much lab work, testing, biopsies, etc., to reach a diagnosis - and he still has chemo ahead of him.

It’s hard to ask for help; it requires a level of humility that isn’t easy for most of us. Steven is asking, we’re asking, and one of the few things I know in this life to be true is that there is no spiritual act more extraordinary than to hold your hand out to another at that moment.

Let’s alleviate some of the burden and worry around current and future medical expenses for him and his family. Help him on this path to remission - Take away some of the financial insecurity so he can focus on his health and recovery and return to being the incredible father, loving husband, brilliant painter, and dear friend we all know and cherish.

Any amount helps and makes a difference - and if you can’t contribute, please reshare; it means just as much.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

With love.