Thank you for taking the time to join me on this page. My name is Kelly, and my dear friend Val & his family are embarking on the challenge of their lives. As a RN, putting this down on paper has been difficult, as I understand both the severity and urgency of their current situation.

In late January, Val Lopez was diagnosed with Mantel Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a very rare and aggressive form of cancer.

In the space of just a few days, his, and his wife Susan’s lives have changed dramatically. They reacted as quickly as is possible, and with the assistance of the Oncology Dept. at MUSC in Charleston (The Medical University of South Carolina), Val has already been added to a nationwide Clinical Trial specifically targeting Mantle Cell.

This trial starts in tandem with his chemotherapy treatments. He has just completed his first round of treatments in Charleston a couple of weeks ago, which has been tougher than expected and landed him back in hospital last week. This was the first of six monthly treatments and means he is unable to work for the vast majority of time during these months. After the sixth round of treatment he will then undergo a stem cell transplant that will require a full month stay in hospital and two months recovery.

Val is physically and mentally strong, naturally optimistic and committed to what he now knows to be a difficult road ahead. The ongoing battery of chemotherapy and other treatments will help him fight this very aggressive cancer; at the same time allowing him to continue helping his 10 year old son Enzo improve his burgeoning sporting prowess and spend as much time with the family as he can.

Val & Susan have always worked hard to support the family household, which includes Susan’s sister Kellie and their son Enzo. While Val has insurance, this GoFundMe’s goal is to bridge the gap between the family’s needs and the loss of income that will inevitably occur during the minimum of nine consecutive months that he will not be physically able to work, as well as providing additional funds for medical costs, particularly cancer specific drugs, that will arise along their journey.

Val & Susan have always been selfless with their time and resources to help friends, family and strangers alike through difficult times. It is thus difficult and unnatural for them to be in a position where they now need our assistance.

The aggressive nature of the disease means that they have had to begin the fight immediately. Our hope is that their support network will grow as you share this with your friends and family, and through the kindness and generosity of others donating to this fundraiser.

In return for your support we offer our sincerest gratitude and will keep you updated on their progress along the way.

Please donate here to help support Val and his family during his fight.

Thank you!