At the age of only 41, Nate just received life-changing news: Stage 4 lung cancer. After weeks of thinking he pulled a muscle in his chest, Danielle brought him to urgent care on February 7th after he began to wheeze. It was in Urgent Care when a CT scan revealed a mass in Nate’s lung that spread around his ribs and up his sternum. A PetScan on Valentine’s Day showed bone lesions from his shoulder blades down to his pelvis. Additionally, an MRI is needed to further analyze a small area in his brain that appears “unusual.” The earliest Nate can get a biopsy scheduled in Denver is February 28th. So they will be traveling to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo because this hospital can get him in two weeks sooner.

At this point, we don’t know the specific mountain Nate will be climbing, but we do know that the journey will be expensive. They still don’t know if Nate will be receiving treatment in Buffalo or Denver. Depending on the intensity of treatment and his pain levels (which are currently very high), Nate may also need to take a leave from his job, in addition to all the small fees, copays, and miscellaneous costs that will add up.

Anyone who has met Nate knows the ease with which he connects to people, the joy that follows him into a room, and the happiness he has brought to Danielle. Danielle is a fierce and loyal partner who is fighting hard for every appointment, insurance claim, and answer she can find. They have always been here for us; now we need to be there for them. Thank you for your willingness to help them as they navigate the unimaginable.