Mike Graham in his battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma

Dear Friends & Family,

 

We are writing here today on behalf of our brother, Mike Graham.

 

As some of you may know, Mike was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in July 2016. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and an autologous stem cell transplant in November 2018; he reached remission status. He then began rebuilding his life after taking more than a year off for medical treatment. 

 

Mike remained in remission until the summer of 2021 when a biopsy confirmed our fears, he had relapsed. He received another round of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. He then underwent a second stem cell transplant in January 2022, this time after receiving a bone marrow donation from his brother, Eddie. Following the transplant Mike and his mom, Pat Graham, spent 60 days in an intensive outpatient program at Johns Hopkins Cancer Center in Baltimore, MD. During this program they were required to move close to the hospital and spent time every day at the hospital for medications, treatment, and frequent lab work. Mike recently completed the program in March of 2022 and returned home to PA to persist on his road to recovery.

 

Unfortunately, after just 19 days home, he was re-hospitalized with what we now know is confirmed GVHD (Graft vs. Host Disease). GVHD is a complication of receiving a bone marrow transplant that can vary in both symptoms and severity. Thankfully, he was discharged after a little over two weeks inpatient. He continues to need central IV access, frequent appointments, and multiple medications to try and combat GVHD while also keeping a close eye on his lymphoma recovery.

 

Eddie and I spent time with Mike the day he received his relapse diagnosis last summer. One of the comments that struck us during our conversation was Mike said, "At least now he knows what to expect, and he did it before, now he can do it again." His positivity throughout his illness and treatment is nothing short of incredible. There are so many highs and lows throughout the cancer treatment process for both Mike and the family, and yet he continues to remain steadfast with unwavering optimism.

 

Mike expressed concern regarding the financial burden of cancer treatment after his most recent hospital stay. While his sole focus should be on getting healthy, he now has to start worrying about the financial responsibilities of extended time away from work and medical bills piling up. Mike's treatment plan will require additional doctors appointments with travel to Baltimore, multiple medications and continued monitoring.

 

We are here asking that our friends and family stand with Mike through his journey. Please continue to check in, keep Mike in your prayers, and if you have the means donate to his cause.  Anything we can give to lessen the financial burden accrued by Mike in his battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma is appreciated . Lets help him focus on the most important task at hand, recovery.

 

We will be hosting a benefit Saturday, September 10th 2022 at the Oreland Inn from 4pm -9 pm to raise money to help with medical bills and expenses- More details will follow. We also wanted to create an online giving platform for those that may wish to contribute but can't do so in person.

 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, prayers & support. - The Graham Family