This is my wife Tracy!

You can’t go far in Duluth, Minnesota without meeting someone who will cheerfully admit “I know Tracy Robertson, she’s awesome!”

Even if you don’t know her, there’s a good chance that you’ve met her if:

You’re in business in Duluth – she’s long been a fixture in organizations that help to support local business, such as the Lincoln Park Business Group, BNI (Business Networking International), PWN (Professional Women's Network).

If you’ve ever needed great storage.  She has managed Lake Region Storage for more than 12 years.

If you enjoy eating at unique local establishments. She’s sure to be on a first name basis with the staff and will chat with you just to share her ever-present smile.

If you have a young child near you. She cannot resist sharing her bubbly inner four-year-old with every adorable tot she sees!

Now, we are in grave danger of losing her loving presence, and she needs our help.


What happened?

In August 2017, Tracy went to the Emergency Room thinking that she was having a heart attack, but it was something far worse.

She was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or ‘Pre-Leukemia’, her bone marrow is producing misshapen blood cells that cannot provide enough oxygen and reduces blood clotting factors such as platelets, which is very dangerous.

MDS only has two options for treatment, manage it with blood and platelet transfusions with a life expectancy of approximately three years or take the chance of curing it with a bone marrow transplant.  There is also the reduction in immune system cells so there is always a chance that a cold or infection could take her earlier.  The bone marrow transplant is the only curative option.

Unfortunately, Tracy's biopsy showed that she has myelofibrosis which is bone marrow that has become scar tissue where new tissue will not grow. This complicates the transplant and reduces her chances of success.

The Mayo Clinic has given us a 30 to 40% chance of success.


How can you help?

Despite the odds, we have chosen to take the chance on the bone marrow transplant.  However, there are other complications that we can use some help with.

Although Bone Marrow transplants are out-patient after a very short period of time, we must be within a twenty-minute driving distance of The Mayo Clinic for up to six months for follow up appointments and further blood and platelet transfusions until her body begins to use the transplant effectively.  The Clinic in Rochester is a four-hour drive from our home in Duluth.

Tracy will also require a 24/7 caretaker or we cannot have the procedure done or stay at the lodging we need.  So I will be unemployed as we relocate to Rochester for the duration of the transplant regimen, losing income we need to support ourselves while there as well as retaining our home in Duluth so we have a place to return to afterward.

We are asking for help with the day to day expenses of lodging, food, gas, any extra expenses not covered by insurance for the duration of her treatment.

The American Cancer Society does not consider MDS to be cancer until it turns into leukemia, so we are ineligible for any grants or a free place to stay,  our lodging will be totally out of pocket.

Our plan is to stay at the Gift of Life Transplant House ($30 nightly), however, there is the possibility that they may not have a room for us when we need it and will have to stay at a hotel until a room becomes available ($150 nightly). 

Parking at the Mayo Clinic, or anywhere near the clinic, is $12 a day. 

Food, toiletries, etc.

For up to six months and for further travel expenses as we have to return to Mayo every couple of weeks for follow up appointments even after returning to Duluth.

Tracy and I have worked very hard to build a life together and although Tracy’s life is of paramount importance, what would be the point if there was no home left to return to?

We are very grateful for any assistance that you can provide, even if it’s just posting the link to the go fund me page to your Facebook family and friends.

Thank you so much and please know that this is a very difficult ask.