- A
- K
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Background
On October 27th, 2017 my precious Jey got news that would forever change his life and those of his loved ones. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Prior to his diagnosis Jey was a go getter who couldn't sit still. He loved sports, the outdoors, his friends, his dog Sitka and Miller Lite!! He managed a sports bar in Salem, VA named Allsports where his outgoing personality was able to shine. At least, most of them time ;) When he wasn't working he always had something planned and always brought loved ones along on his journey! He enjoyed music festivals, taking his boat out on the lake, wakeboarding, rafting/paddling, snowboarding, trying to surf (haha), riding his motorcycle, fishing, camping, hiking, and taking all kind of trips from white water adventures, to winter wonderlands, to topical paradises! Not to mention taking time to occasionally go cheer on his Capitals, Redskins and Hokies. He definitely caught my eye with his love for adventure, fierce loyalty to his friends, and of course his "sweet cheeks"! He is a once in a lifetime kind of guy which can never be compared. He is the type of guy worth fighting for.
Treatment
Immediately following Jey's diagnosis of ALL he began treatment. He was admitted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for 5 weeks of intense chemo treatment. During this time Jey's biggest struggle on top of being ill was being away from his sweet baby Sitka. Who is an Alaskan Malamute and more closely related to a bear! Fortunately, I was able to bring Sitka to come visit a couple of times which helped. We were also able to bring a big meal and celebrate Thanksgiving with family during his stay. At the end of the 5 weeks the AMAZING nursing staff on 10 South at RMH had become like a family to Jey and we were able to celebrate the news of remission!! However, a few short weeks later our hearts broke to find that he had relapsed. After consulting with his RMH Oncologist as well as Duke University we decided as a team and family that Jey's best option for beating ALL would be a stem cell transplant.
The Road Ahead
Jey and I will be moving to Durham, NC for a minimum of 3 months so he can undergo the stem cell transplant at Duke University. We had originally thought the transplant wouldn't be until March at the earliest, however he had to be airlifted to Duke Thursday Feb 2nd on an emergency basis. At this point we are unsure if Jey will come back home for more chemo after he is stabilized or if he will remain at Duke through his transplant. After the tansplant Jey will undergo inpatient treatment for at least 30 days followed by a minimum 2 months of outpatient treatment accompanied by a full time caregiver which will be me. During this time Jey will be very weak and will need a lot of care so neither one of us will be able to work.
Help
It is fight time. This horrible disease is trying to take our Jey and I know I speak for many when I say THAT CANT HAPPEN!! He means too much to too many and he is not done shining his light on the world. Its going to be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing and we could use some help. Donations will be used for medical, housing, and living expenses as well as pet care since Sitka will not be allowed to come with us due to Jey's fragile state and the risk of infection.
Other Ways to Help
I understand not everyone is in a place to donate and that is ok your love and kind words are always a comfort to know that we are not in this fight alone. Please consider donating blood or platelets. Without these resources Jey would not have made it this far and the banks are always in need!
On October 27th, 2017 my precious Jey got news that would forever change his life and those of his loved ones. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Prior to his diagnosis Jey was a go getter who couldn't sit still. He loved sports, the outdoors, his friends, his dog Sitka and Miller Lite!! He managed a sports bar in Salem, VA named Allsports where his outgoing personality was able to shine. At least, most of them time ;) When he wasn't working he always had something planned and always brought loved ones along on his journey! He enjoyed music festivals, taking his boat out on the lake, wakeboarding, rafting/paddling, snowboarding, trying to surf (haha), riding his motorcycle, fishing, camping, hiking, and taking all kind of trips from white water adventures, to winter wonderlands, to topical paradises! Not to mention taking time to occasionally go cheer on his Capitals, Redskins and Hokies. He definitely caught my eye with his love for adventure, fierce loyalty to his friends, and of course his "sweet cheeks"! He is a once in a lifetime kind of guy which can never be compared. He is the type of guy worth fighting for.
Treatment
Immediately following Jey's diagnosis of ALL he began treatment. He was admitted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for 5 weeks of intense chemo treatment. During this time Jey's biggest struggle on top of being ill was being away from his sweet baby Sitka. Who is an Alaskan Malamute and more closely related to a bear! Fortunately, I was able to bring Sitka to come visit a couple of times which helped. We were also able to bring a big meal and celebrate Thanksgiving with family during his stay. At the end of the 5 weeks the AMAZING nursing staff on 10 South at RMH had become like a family to Jey and we were able to celebrate the news of remission!! However, a few short weeks later our hearts broke to find that he had relapsed. After consulting with his RMH Oncologist as well as Duke University we decided as a team and family that Jey's best option for beating ALL would be a stem cell transplant.
The Road Ahead
Jey and I will be moving to Durham, NC for a minimum of 3 months so he can undergo the stem cell transplant at Duke University. We had originally thought the transplant wouldn't be until March at the earliest, however he had to be airlifted to Duke Thursday Feb 2nd on an emergency basis. At this point we are unsure if Jey will come back home for more chemo after he is stabilized or if he will remain at Duke through his transplant. After the tansplant Jey will undergo inpatient treatment for at least 30 days followed by a minimum 2 months of outpatient treatment accompanied by a full time caregiver which will be me. During this time Jey will be very weak and will need a lot of care so neither one of us will be able to work.
Help
It is fight time. This horrible disease is trying to take our Jey and I know I speak for many when I say THAT CANT HAPPEN!! He means too much to too many and he is not done shining his light on the world. Its going to be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing and we could use some help. Donations will be used for medical, housing, and living expenses as well as pet care since Sitka will not be allowed to come with us due to Jey's fragile state and the risk of infection.
Other Ways to Help
I understand not everyone is in a place to donate and that is ok your love and kind words are always a comfort to know that we are not in this fight alone. Please consider donating blood or platelets. Without these resources Jey would not have made it this far and the banks are always in need!