Rare Leukemia Treatment

Our father, Tjaart Van der Walt, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia called Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN  ). 

It was previously known as a natural killer (NK). There is very little information about BPDCN and there are no established treatments. My father was extremely fortunate to have found a doctor in Arizona who has previously treated someone with BTDCN. The procedures are costly, and not everything is covered under health care as it is such a rare form of leukemia. 

We are looking for assistance with some funding for his treatments and living expenses. The doctor and hospital require my mom and dad and at least one other caregiver to move closer to the hospital for three months.  Each treatment process consists of one week, each day, several injections, and treatment to help boost the immune system while also killing off the bad cells. The days can go from six hours up to 10 hours and are extremely taxing on the body. The long hours of medical treatments are why the doctors want him to be closer to the hospital.

We are also looking into stem cell transplant from Be The Match which is not covered under insurance because of the rarity of this disease, but the doctor says it is a necessary step in the recovery method.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. The whole family appreciates it.