Rod Needs Help With Cancer Treatment

Rod was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2016 when his left leg broke as he stepped off of a ladder. After seven radiation treatments, a bone marrow transplant and two years of chemotherapy, he went into remission in 2018. In 2023, his right leg broke, which marked the end of his four-year remission period. The cancer came back more aggressively this time and chemotherapy was not as effective as it was before. He's currently experiencing chronic pain in his hips and pelvis brought on by weakened bones, which is one of the key symptoms of Multiple Myeloma.

Fortunately, Rod was accepted into a clinical trial called CAR T-Cell therapy at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU). In April, T-cells (white blood cells) were removed from his blood (see picture) and sent to a lab where they were genetically modified to make them more effective to fight his cancer cells. These will be infused back into Rod's bloodstream in May. Once these are infused, Rod will need to lean on Shellie, his wife, for all of the driving, including frequent, even daily trips to the hospital for at least eight weeks, as Rod will not be allowed to drive. This will be a problem because the power steering on their 1998 van is completely broken. It is extremely difficult for her to park it, especially in the hospital parking garage. The cost of repairing the broken power steering is more than the van is worth.

During the clinical trial, Rod will be unable to work and we won't be able to save enough for a replacement vehicle in time for the treatment. Rod will be able to use Medicare and a grant from Leukemia Lymphoma Society to cover most medical expenses. Our real need right now is just a vehicle to get Rod to the hospital.

We are hoping to raise $8,000 for a 2005 to 2012 hatchback or small SUV that is dependable and easy to drive. It needs to be easy for Rod to get in and out of with his bad hips and be able to haul their son's wheelchair, which he needs for his Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

We are grateful for any support, whether it be money, prayers, kind thoughts or encouragement in the comments.

Rod and Shellie Smith

More information

CAR T Cell Therapy for Cancer https://www.ohsu.edu/knight-cancer-institute/car-t-cell-therapy-cancer

What is Multiple Myeloma. https://themmrf.org/multiple-myeloma/