The Lee Family

For most of us this year’s Christmas is going to be different.  We won’t be gathering with our families, traditions will be put on hold, and our houses may be a little quieter.  Unfortunately, for our brother Jordan and his family they have been dealing with other health issues on top of all of this. We write this letter simply to share their story. First, let’s start with our brother Jordan. In 2004 he was diagnosed with Leukemia.  He fought it bravely and continues to this day.  As a single father of four, he does not complain about the cost of his medicine, the pain that he is in, or anything else that would make you feel sorry for him.  In fact, you wouldn’t even know that he is battling Leukemia. He is one of the strongest and bravest people we know.  Recently, that strength and bravery has been put to an even greater test. About 3 months ago, his 14 year old daughter Cadence, started to complain about a pain in her shoulder area.  A couple weeks later this pain started to affect the use of her legs.  This was a huge concern and she was taken to the hospital immediately.  After seeing several doctors and a few different diagnoses, they found out what no one wants to hear.  Cadence has cancer.  She was diagnosed with Mesenchymal ChondroSarcoma, a very rare cancer, especially in children.  The doctors found a tumor on her upper vertebrae and tried to surgically remove as much as they could without causing nerve damage.  Unfortunately, they could not remove all of the tumor so a treatment plan was put into place.  The initial treatment plan was chemotherapy and radiation with hopes of eliminating the tumor.  Upon further research, Jordan’s family learned that chemotherapy and radiation would only keep the cancer from spreading rather than eliminating the tumor.  Cadence will continue her treatment plan until she undergoes surgery in February to remove two vertebrae that the tumor is attached to.  Throughout all of this, Cadence continues to be a warrior.  She started chemotherapy on October 2 at Children’s Minnesota Hospital and has completed 5 rounds, with two more to go.  The chemo has made her lose her hair and her appetite, and she also gets quite sick from it. This resulted in extra days at the hospital.  Last week, she started her first round of radiation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and that will continue for six more weeks.     We know that it’s the holiday season and money is hard to come by right now.  Our family does not like asking for money and we know Jordan would not want us to ask either, but we did not expect to go through all of this during the holidays.  There are a lot of hospital and hotel stays left, as well as, constant travel expenses for Jordan. Please consider donating to this brave family and feel free to share their story with anyone you know.  We are hoping to continue to raise money for the family throughout Cadence’s long road to recovery.  Thank you to everyone who has already sent money, gifts, and prayers.  Our family is incredibly grateful and hopes to someday pay it forward!  Thank you! Michael and Afton  Trent and Becky