Riley & Kim’s Blood Cancer Diagnosis

Hello, my name is Riley Myers and I am fundraising for my growing family. Recently, I was hospitalized with an unexplainable blood clot.

After many tests and anxious appointments with specialists, I have been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called Essential Thrombocythemia. My wife and I were shocked to hear this news and are growing more concerned with the reality of such an abnormal cancer. As if I was not special enough, I am the youngest case of ET my hematologist and his colleagues have seen. Although ET is typically a treatable diagnosis, my doctors are concerned with how young I have contracted ET and the nature of the cancer developing into something more aggressive in reaction to treatment. Most people with ET are in their 50s-60s. I am 27. My medical team is working to see how we can ensure my cancer is suppressed and not triggered into a terminal diagnosis. We are hopeful but also scared. We know that God will help, no matter what cancer has in store for me.

I was immediately placed on chemotherapy minutes after being diagnosed. My platelet count is concerningly high and my doctor did not want to waste anytime with treatment as a heart attack or stroke is very likely in my abnormal conditions. We are not sure what treatment will look like moving forward, but we trust God as the ultimate healer and provider. We love our doctors and are thankful they caught this cancer early and are treating it swiftly.

My wife, Kim, is currently pregnant with our first child. Our baby will be here in October and we could not be more excited for this blessing! I graduate college next week and hope to plug into nonprofits in Chicago for social work positions pending my cancer treatment.

On behalf of my family, I ask for your prayers for myself, Kim and the future baby. With my hospitalization and chemo treatments, our financial situation is growing alarmingly concerning. We have many stresses money cannot solve, but having peace of mind to pay our bills is a stress that will hopefully be relieved by the grace of God.

We don't expect everyone to give or even anyone to give. However, if you can't support, do not feel like you have to and please pray God would be with us and our family throughout this time. Please know that all money contributed will go towards living expense and hospital bills while I am enduring cancer treatment.

Blessings,

Riley Myers and Kim Myers