Help the Forsbergs Through Sam's Leukemia Battle

I’m Amber- a friend of the Forsberg’s.

If you know anything about Kim & John -you know they’re some of the strongest, kindest, funniest people in the world—and they just always figure it out. No matter what life throws at them-and at times it’s been a lot.

This is one of those times.

After a recent visit with Sam's oncologist - John and Kim are now realizing that his road to recovery is going to be long. A lot longer than they had hoped - and despite the fact that they both have wonderful jobs (Kim is a teacher and John is in the eye care industry) and great healthcare - it cannot be overstated how incredibly expensive his cancer fight has already become and how much more there is to go. The bills are beginning to come in now - and treatments and drugs are not always covered. Sam's type of leukemia (MPAL - affects something like 5% of kids) is rare - and to treat him, he's taking part in medical and clinical trials. That kind of treatment is rarely covered at all and if it is - it's not covered in full. With the new year coming, its a new year of big deductibles that have to be met on top of it. I saw just one of the bills this week - and the numbers on it were too big. Just way too big. When added to the costs they already bear for Gracie (their oldest daughter has cerebral palsy) and John's pretty serious accident this year, well, I don't have to tell you.

The holiday season will be hard this year - Sam's next phase of treatment will require a lot of inpatient hospitalization. It's pretty likely he'll be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas in the oncology unit instead of at home. In addition - FMLA leave - for both Kim and John - will start to be unpaid and they will run out of days between the two of them. Soon his care is going to take more time than their benefits will cover. Creating another worry for them.

Sam is the most determined, positive and amazing kid you can imagine and through all of this it's been HIS light that has helped everyone stay positive. This kid is so inspiring and just so GOOD. If anyone deserves a little bit of a break - it's this family.

Please contribute what you can to help make their lives a little easier this holiday season? Let's spread some joy and really lean in to help the Forsbergs make this Christmas festive. No one deserves that more than Sam, Kim, John, Maddie and Gracie.

Thank you in advance - any little bit helps.