Hans McAteer's medical fund

Hi my name is Andrea MacDonald, daughter of Hans McAteer and sister of Cody, Tyson, Miranda, and Marissa, Hans and Margo McAteer’s 4 beautiful children. Recently on September 24th, 2015 Hans was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.

What Is Myeloma?

“In our larger bones we have bone marrow, the area in the center of each bone where white cells, red cells, and platelets grow. Multiple myeloma occurs when one type of white blood cell, a plasma cell, reproduces without stopping and causes damage to other organs. In most patients, myeloma is found in more than one location and is called multiple myeloma. Normally these cells would create a wide variety of antibodies to support our immune system; instead the cancerous plasma cells take up more and more room in the bone marrow cavity, which leaves less and less room for normal marrow cells.

Instead of millions of different antibodies that can effectively protect the patient from infection, myeloma cells make only one type of antibody and thus leave the patient vulnerable. These myeloma cells can also push their way into the hard outer layer, the cortex, of bones and this can make those bones particularly prone to break. In fact many people realize they have multiple myeloma when they break a bone from minimal activity such as bumping into something or picking up a gallon of milk.

Additionally, myeloma cells can make so many antibodies or misshapen antibodies that they clog the kidney’s filtration system and can cause permanent kidney damage that, left untreated, can lead a patient to dialysis.”

We visited the Cross Cancer Clinic in Edmonton, AB October 7th and 8th, 2015 where they explained this type of cancer and all the treatments that he will undergo in the next 6 months. The harsh reality Hans is facing is he is no longer able to operate ‘McAteer Carpentry’ as his spine and pelvis already have extensive erosion (holes) caused from the cancer attacking his bones which heavily impacts his mobility. This is a huge financial burden as these treatments include medication, travel, gas, hotel, food, as well as all the bills that will continue at home. Hans will start with radiation treatments October 19th -23rd followed by four months of Chemotherapy (injections under the skin) which will take place in Peace River, AB once a week. In the fifth month he will then have a stem cell transplant and will be hospitalized for two-three weeks for strong doses of Chemotherapy. These treatments are only known to cure twenty percent of patients dealing with this disease. The other 80% is known to go into relapse and start with treatments all over again.

But…with the help financially, prayers, faith and hope we are trying to stay positive that our husband/dad/papa will fight Multiple Myeloma. For those that have had the chance to meet Hans, you would know that he is a strong man that will not give up without a fight. He loves his family dearly and we equally love him. We hope with the love and support from family and friends we can conquer Multiple Myeloma & say “Screw Cancer”. Thank you in advance for all the love, prayers and support.