Jane Lange, the oldest of four daughters in the Lange family, was diagnosed with leukemia last September (2019) during her first month of high school. And she is facing it with fierce and admirable courage that belies her age. She has been in the hospital for the vast majority of the last 5 months. There have been three rounds of chemotherapy. Just recently, her younger sister and she participated in a bone marrow transplant (BMT).  The initial procedures for BMT went well. We now wait to see if the transplant takes hold. Jane will likely have another month in hospital; and then will spend most days there even when they’re sent home. More hospital visits may become necessary on the road to a full recovery. 

To those who know this extraordinary family, it can be no surprise they have pulled together tightly in mutual care and support, taking time away from jobs, and chores,  and for all the children, away from the usual business of childhood. They have weathered this upending of their lives with inexpressibly admirable grace and love.

They face some medical bills, and they face the resource impact of time away from work. They need grocery delivery, cleaning services, food delivery, and coverage for future medical services. In addition, ensuring that Jane’s compromised immune system gets the support it needs also means securing some expensive new equipment such as hospital grade air purifiers. And so there is a financial impact to address.

But this campaign to raise funds for the Langes from their community of friends and family is much bigger than paying bills, or covering lost revenue. Finally, it’s not about money at all, but about creating a cushion to eliminate financial anxiety, reduce stress, enable flexibility for the entire family, empower them to hire help and services where it is needed and take delight in entertainments where they may, and most importantly, to maximize their time together with focus on a full and vibrant recovery. 

The moment is now. You, we, can supply the Langes with some comfort and care in their moment of great need, knowing as we do from experience the care they show the people in their lives when they see need in the world.

“The world now is too dangerous and beautiful for anything but love.” - A Black Rock Prayer Book