Help Support Dalen’s Fight Against Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

On July 11, 2025, my vibrant and charismatic son Dalen celebrated his 20th birthday, filled with dreams and aspirations. Just two days later, our world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) of his stomach. Now, Dalen is bravely fighting this battle in the hospital, undergoing chemotherapy, while we grapple with the emotional and mental strain. His treatment will involve six months of targeted chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and aim for a cure.

Since Dalen is on the spectrum and cannot fully understand that he has cancer and the challenges ahead, it is essential for him to have someone by his side every step of the way to explain the process and make medical decisions for him. With Dalen needing someone by his side, I am unable to work while he undergoes chemotherapy. As a family, we are doing everything possible to support Dalen during this challenging time. However, the burden of medical bills, daycare, and daily expenses has become overwhelming.

We are reaching out for your support to help lighten this load, allowing us to focus on being there for Dalen as he fights for his life. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in Dalen’s journey. Your generosity will not only help cover medical costs but also remind him that he is not alone in this fight. Let’s come together in love and support so Dalen can continue striving toward his recovery and a brighter future.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion during this difficult time. 

*******UPDATE AUGUST 7, 2025*******

Yesterday, August 6, Dalen began round #2 of Chemotherapy. He was in great spirits and took it like the champion he truly is. I have watched my son go through the horrors of cancer and take it with acceptance and grace, considering he just doesn’t comprehend the magnitude of what he and his body are actually going through. Two days before this round of chemo, he lost his hair. By far the one thing that truly made this hell a reality for me. Watching the clumps fall out and the confusion on his face is something that my heart won’t ever forget. So we decided to shave his head and thank goodness he has a great shaped melon otherwise he wouldn’t look as good as he truly does! He was very self conscious about not just having a shaved head but a close, “Mr. Clean” completely bald type of shave! He spent the rest of the day asking me if he looked ok! It made me happy and sad all at once. I cannot express the horror, mental, emotional and utterly soul shattering feelings of helplessness that come with watching my child go through each step of this journey and not being able to just take the pain away and make it stop. As a parent that’s my job right? We make everything better for our children… What are you supposed to feel when you can’t do that? Since Dalen is on the spectrum and due to his 2 week long hospital stay, he absolutely will not express his true feelings about pain or suffering with me. His fear is, “if I tell her I don’t feel good or I’m suffering, then I will go back to the hospital.” So, everyday he gives me the most positive response, “I feel great mother!” He smiles through his worries that are so clearly written all over his face, he stays positive through his fears and doubts and pain. I have never had a deeper feeling of love, sadness, worry, hope and sheer adoration for Dalen and what a wonderfully beautiful soul and genuinely STRONG kid he truly is and always has been. He has faced diversity of the entire world from his young life to the 20 year old man he has come to be. Despite seeing the world differently than we all do, his mind has seen things in ways I will never be able to fathom. He’s a well loved young man with many family and friends who cherish him greatly, and as a parent, that just makes my heart so full of joy for him.. And for each and every one of you kind souls for being so generous and loving to him and our family during this difficult time. The amount of love and fulfillment that we feel from the outpouring of love you all have shown during this life altering experience is something that I don’t think I have ever felt inside my soul before. It literally makes me so emotional that I can’t even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for everyone of you. This has been a blessing for Dalen and our family knowing that so many people genuinely care for all of us. I love you all more than words. 

 Thank you for your kindness and compassion during this difficult time. Please share Dalen’s story to help us reach as many hearts as possible. 

 ***All of my Love, Respect and genuine appreciation to you all. -Lindsay.