For nearly 53 years, our lives have been woven together in ways neither of us could have imagined when we first met in 1973. Over the years, we have built a deep and enduring love, welcomed 7 grandchildren & 6 step-grandchildren, and created a lifetime of treasured memories.

Approximately 3 months ago, our lives changed when Pat was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a serious, life-threatening form of blood & bone marrow cancer that prevents the body from producing healthy blood cells. His specific form of MDS carries a high risk of progressing to leukemia, making treatment especially urgent.

Thankfully, Pat has responded remarkably well to treatment. After only 2 cycles, his disease had already declined to levels approaching remission—an encouraging milestone in his fight against this disease. Now, having just completed his 3rd cycle of treatment, he is not only seeing measurable improvement in his test results, but is also beginning to feel the benefits physically. His energy, strength, and overall quality of life have improved significantly in recent weeks.

Because the goal of treatment is to enter a stem cell bone marrow transplant with as little remaining disease as possible, this progress has been especially encouraging. While treatment has been highly effective so far, it is being used to reduce the disease to the lowest possible level before transplant. Achieving a deep remission prior to transplant is associated with the best outcomes, making Pat's response especially meaningful. In his most recent bone marrow biopsy, the markers used to measure the amount of disease remaining in his bone marrow showed dramatic improvement, decreasing by 77% in one measure and 67% in another. His doctors were extremely encouraged by his response to treatment, and these results opened the door for him to move forward with a stem cell transplant, which offers the best opportunity for long-term remission and the possibility of a cure.

We are very grateful to have been referred to Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, whose Blood & Marrow Transplant Program is renowned as one of the leading programs in the world for treating blood cancers and bone marrow disorders. As a pioneer in modern bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, the center has performed more than 18,500 transplants over the past 5 decades. Knowing that Pat will be cared for by a team with such extensive experience and a long history of innovation gives us tremendous hope, confidence, and peace of mind as we prepare for this next step in his journey.

To receive this transplant, we must temporarily relocate from Idaho to Seattle for approximately 3–4 months. During that time, I will serve as Pat's full-time caregiver. As a retired RN, I'll also be stepping back into my most important nursing role yet—caring for the man I love as we navigate treatment, recovery, and frequent medical appointments.

Five years ago, he survived a "widowmaker" heart attack, a battle he overcame with the same determination and resilience he brings to this fight. Throughout his career as an arborist, Pat regularly climbed heights of up to 160 feet while performing hazardous tree removal work. A lifelong athlete, swimmer, hockey player & coach, scuba diver, hiker, and former marathon runner, he has always embraced an active lifestyle. Even during his current treatment regimen, he continues to walk approximately 3 miles several times each week. Pat's doctors have emphasized that his strength, fitness, and resilience have been important factors in both how well he has tolerated treatment and the encouraging progress he has made so far.

We are currently working with Fred Hutch's financial services team to determine whether we may qualify for reduced-cost or subsidized housing during our stay. While we are hopeful for assistance, we do not yet know what our housing costs will ultimately be, if any, and are planning for the possibility of substantial out-of-pocket expenses. As retirees living on fixed incomes, the added burden of supporting two households during this critical period is significant.

In addition, although our insurance is covering much of Pat's treatment, our out-of-pocket costs have already exceeded $2,000 and continue to grow with specialist visits, laboratory testing, bone marrow biopsies, medications, & other ongoing medical needs. As we prepare for transplant and the months of care that follow, we know there will be additional expenses that are difficult to predict.

Whether through a donation, sharing our fundraiser, or keeping us in your prayers, we are deeply grateful for your support. This journey has reminded us how precious life is and how blessed we are by the kindness, encouragement, prayers, and generosity of family, friends, and even those we have never met.

Thank you for helping us focus on what matters most: giving Pat the best possible chance for a successful transplant and recovery, so that he can continue being the devoted husband, proud Papa, cherished friend, and remarkable man so many of us know and love—and so that we may be blessed with many more years together.