The Hargers Fight Multiple Myeloma

Several years ago, my father, Bobby Harger, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. When that happened, he joined the ranks of thousands of Americans diagnosed each year with this form of cancer.

What has since followed have been years of treatment including radiation, chemotherapy, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions and, as of three weeks ago, the first of two possible stem cell transplants.

As is often the case with cancer, my mom and dad have experienced a number of medical "scares" over these years that have been weathered largely through the care of faith, family, and friends.

Throughout this same time, and less well known to some, they have encountered a number of financial "scares" as well, that have been no less burdensome - insurance issues, insurance changes, adaptations needed to their home, etc. They are both out of work, with the multiple-weekly, long appointments and the need for home care help since my father lost most use of his right arm from the myeloma. We have banded together as family and friends to help here, too, as we are able, and it has meant so much to them.


However, having just recently finished his first stem cell transplant, there is now a protracted financial burden that they will be dealing with. Over the next several months, he has to have blood drawn and supportive treatments completed each day that necessitate a 50-mile, round-trip drive to and from his treatment hospital in Richmond, VA. This will create a marked increase in spending needed for gas. In addition, there are massive dietary restrictions for this initial phase and his inability to eat any food prepared outside their home for the next 12-15 months that increase grocery costs substantially. This is all on top of a number of other changes that have needed to be made to make their home safe for him in this recovery time.

To be clear: these are just the expenses we know about. Also, depending on the lab work, he may need another round of stem cells transplanted in 3 months, another hospital stay, and another phase of acute recovery.  All together, they are easily looking at greater than 1 year of actively fighting this cancer.

I write to you all as a son that wants with all his heart to help push back the "havoc" these sorts of things wreak in this world. There is a sense in me that much, this included, is not as it should be; that something about disease, pain, and hurt is simply not meant to be.

I'm asking each of you to come alongside us in this effort to "right" that which is broken - specifically in this area, today - through both your prayers and your pocketbooks.

Please remember: any support at any level you can offer is support not priorly had.

Thanks!