Lee Urich's Fight to Beat Cancer!


Hi everyone! My name is Marissa, not to be confused with that pretty lady above named Lindsey (Lee's super amazing girlfriend!).  I was honored enough to be asked to write about this wonderful human being we all call Lee Urich, or in my case "Lee Lee".   I've known Lee since I was 17 years old, not to reveal my age, but that's going on 15 years now.  In these 15 years, Lee has been a great friend, not just to me, but to many many people.  He would take the shirt off his back in -20 degree weather, if he knew you needed it.  He has helped us all in our times of need.  Lee has never asked anyone for help, but we are stepping in and asking for everyone's help in his time of need.  This is our turn to show Lee how much we love, care, and appreciate him.  Here is his story....

Lee has always been a lover not a fighter.  When Lee and Lindsey met on St. Patrick's Day, they fell for each other instantly.  I saw photos popping up left and right on FaceBook that were screaming how happy they were.  Nothing could get in the way of their love.   Lindsey moved in with Lee and shortly after, they got a puppy, named Geno (all you Pittsburgh Pens fans should know who they named the dog after!).   


They simply adore Geno.   I could post 5,000 more pictures of them with the dog and there would still be more! 

They not only adore their dog, they adore each other.  When I first met Lindsey, it was at a mutual friend's wedding.  Right from the start, I knew she cared deeply for Lee and I knew he cared about her.  This is when I first heard of Lee's health problems.  She was so worried about him.  Later that day, he asked me, "So, what do you think of Lindsey?" I told him, "I may have just met her, but in this short time, I can easily say she loves you and will always have your back."  and he just smiled.  Everyone knows that Lee smile.  It can brighten up a room.  I was so happy for them. 


Then turmoil started.  

Just a few short months into their relationship, Lee was diagnosed with "Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma", a very rare blood cancer, that accounts for less than 15% of Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas.  There is little to no research, so there is no way of telling what the outcome may be.   Since this is an agressive cancer, the doctors are going  agressive with his treatments.  He's doing 6 rounds of chemo and finishing with a bone marrow transplant.  He is currently undergoing his 3rd round and handling it very well.  He has the typical symptoms of losing his hair, being nauseous, and extremely tired.  So far, he has been very grateful for it not being worse.  


Lee has had to leave his job as a carpenter to take care of his health.  His income has greatly reduced and as we all know,  covering the medical bills, groceries, rent, and life in general is no easy feat on a good paycheck! Lee told Lindsey, "I won't blame you for leaving".  You know what Lindsey said?  Shut up (LOL!) and that she loves him more than anything and will be by his side.  And you know what? She has been.  She cooks for Lee, goes to all of his appointments, makes sure he isn't overdoing it, and is just caring for him, all while working.  Her salary alone will not put a dent in the bills that keep coming. 

This is where I need all of you.  Lee or Lindsey did not ask to have a gofundme page set up.  Their friends kept pushing them to say yes, let's start one.  They gave in.  She asked me to write the story.  So, here I am.  Please help my wonderful friend and his girlfriend.  Any donation helps.   If you can't donate, please offer your prayers.  Lee and Lindsey are forever grateful regardless of how you are able to help them. 

I would also like to mention that even with Lee going through chemo, he has NOT lost his appetite and that man can EAT! If you would like to send, make, drop off any food, please let us know and we can arrange for that to happen! 

Thank you all so much for reading my story about a great friend, who is like a brother to me.  

I love you, Lee Lee! You got this! 


Love,
Marissa 

PS.  We will provide updates as often as we can!