Help Julie Taylor Fight Cancer

Julie Taylor has always been the rock of our family as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother.  Beyond our family, she has impacted the lives of thousands of children through her career in education in both the Grand Ledge and Eaton Rapids communities.  She has dedicated eleven years as a Special Education teacher as well as eleven years as an administrator.

Last week we shared that she was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare, and very serious cancer of the bone marrow. A stem cell transplant is her best chance for survival. Our Mom is starting the transplant process this week with an initial meeting with the transplant team and if all goes as planned, the doctors are hopeful to have the transplant scheduled and completed within the next few months.

The first step will be for her to have a heavy dose of chemo to wipe out her current immune system so that her body will be able to accept the donor’s stem cells during the transplant.  After that, she’s looking at a minimum of a one month stay in the hospital and a 6-12 month recovery process.  During the first several months, the doctors will require our Dad, her caregiver, to be with her 24/7 because of the serious risks and potential complications related to a transplant.  It is overwhelming to think about how this will all be feasible with them both off work for such a long period of time, but it is the only treatment option.

For approximately a year after the transplant, she’ll be unable to work while she builds back her immune system and has regular testing. The hope is that once she recovers, she’ll be able to live a normal life with the exception of having to have regular check-ups. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t scared about the procedure and the recovery process, but the alternative is unimaginable and even scarier.

It was suggested to us to start a GoFundMe in hopes that anyone who would like to donate to her fight has the opportunity to do so.  Any funds raised will go directly towards travel, medical, and living expenses during the recovery process. While it is difficult to imagine the financial ramifications they will experience over the course of the next year, we have faith in our God and believe He will provide what they need to make it through this journey.  Aside from donations, positive thoughts and prayers would be equally appreciated. Please pray for God's healing power for our Mom and for strength, comfort, and peace for our entire family as we go through this difficult time.

We sincerely thank you for your generosity.