Love for Lucas and the Marchbank Family -- Fighting Lymphoma

A few short weeks ago Lucas Marchbank was a strong, active, 17 year old boy in his graduating year of high school. Since then so many things have changed in his life and the Marchbank family needs the support of their community.

March 24 Lucas went into the emergency room with pain that seemed like the appendix. On the 25th he was diagnosed with a ruptured appendix and was transferred to the Children's Hospital for surgery. Once they got there, the team was not convinced the diagnosis was correct and sent him for a CT scan. The scan showed a mass rather than a ruptured appendix so surgery was scheduled for April 1. They did the surgery removing a part of his small intestine, along with his appendix, and the baseball sized mass. Biopsy results determined the mass was lymphoma. There was hope that they got all the cancer but further testing revealed the devastating news that is has spread to his blood. Lucas is now on a long road of aggressive chemotherapy treatments for an estimated 6 months. With this type of treatment he will have very few days at home during the entire treatment period meaning he will be at the hospital for the majority of this time. Long-term prognosis for Lucas is very positive, but it's going to be a hard road to get there.

This is where we, as the community surrounding the Marchbank family, can support them. If you know the Marchbanks, you know that they have been active members of the community. From Brian coaching the Nanton Palominos for multiple years to Candi being a contributing part of the Stavely Stampeders 4-H Club, a member of the Stavely Parent Council, and the Rodeo Queen Coordinator on the Stavely Rodeo Committee, among other things. There will be obvious financial challenges with having a child in the hospital full time. Candi and Brian have both had to take lots of time off of work already, and Candi will not be returning to work during Lucas' treatment period.

By donating to this cause, you will be substantially relieving the financial burden placed on this family so that they can focus their efforts on sustaining the emotional and physical well being of their family. Every dollar adds up and is deeply appreciated and when you donate you will be added to the list for regular updates.

Please keep Brian, Candi, Rachel, Dyllan, and of course Lucas in your thoughts and prayers. They are going to need all of them!