Nate’s Network: Supporting the Dolder Family

Many of you know my 20-year-old nephew, Nate Dolder. Or maybe you know his brothers, 18-year-old Jared or 15-year-old Ryan. You might have seen all of them on various soccer fields, football fields and wrestling mats, shuttled around by their dedicated, involved parents — my sister Maria and brother-in-law Rob, who even with their demanding work schedules, have rarely missed a game, match or competition. Nate’s been enjoying his sophomore year at Bentley, where he joined a fraternity and continues to excel academically while still logging long hours at the gym. Life for the Dolders is as hectic and typical as you’d expect for a family of three boys. That all changed in November 2023.

Nate came home for the long Thanksgiving weekend experiencing pain and symptoms that urgent care initially attributed to a UTI. They couldn’t have been more wrong. After a whirlwind few days of bloodwork, scans, tests and appointments, we learned the unthinkable: healthy, strong, young Nate has aggressive testicular cancer that has metastasized to his lungs and lymph nodes.

The last month has been a blur of additional scans and appointments. The Dolders transferred Nate’s care from New Hampshire to Boston Children’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Just before Christmas, Nate began his intensive chemo regimen at Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Nate spent Christmas Day undergoing chemo with his dad by his side while his brothers and mom waited at a nearby hotel so they could try to celebrate the holidays together once Nate was done for the day.

The family and their extended network have rallied around Nate to ensure he continues to receive the best care possible. But this care comes at a cost. The commutes back and forth to Boston are grueling, often taking 2+ hours each way. Hotels in Boston are some of the priciest in the country, even with discounted patient rates. Rob and Maria are doing their best to focus on Nate while also continuing to provide for Jared and Ryan, who still need them.

So many of you have asked how you can help. Nate is where he needs to be, but his journey towards wellness is going to be a long, draining, expensive one. Please consider helping to ease the financial burden on Rob and Maria so they can direct their energy where it’s most needed: supporting their three boys. We’re so grateful for all of you, and we know Nate’s Network will help make all the difference.