In Sickness and in Health

Multiple myeloma has turned our lives upside down in a matter of weeks, and asking for help in this way is

something our family never imagined doing. Earlier this year, my wife faced down breast cancer with extraordinary

courage, undergoing a double mastectomy and fighting her way back with everything she had. Multiple myeloma,

however, is a different kind of battle. It is a form of blood cancer that lives in the bone marrow, crowding out the

normal cells that should be making red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are essential for oxygen,

fighting infection, and clotting. In her case, her bone marrow is no longer producing platelets, leaving her

dangerously vulnerable to bleeding and severe fatigue.

This disease has already changed what “normal” looks like for us. Multiple myeloma is one of a small group of

blood, or “liquid,” cancers, and its stages and treatment look very different from more common solid tumors like

breast cancer. For my wife, that means regular blood transfusions every other day just to keep her going, and even

something as simple as standing up without fainting has become a small victory. The cancer cells in her marrow are

taking up the space where healthy blood cells should grow, which is why her body cannot keep up on its own.

The donations we are asking for will go directly toward practical, urgent needs that fall outside what insurance

will cover. While my insurance helps with parts of her medical care, there are critical gaps. This is especially true in

experienced home health support and the equipment needed to safely monitor her blood counts between hospital

visits. Because Im the sole provider for my family and it's imperative to keep working to hold on to my career and

health insurance, I can't always be at her side in the way she truly needs, when most of her family and lifelong

support system are scattered across the US, far from where we live now. Funds will help us bring in skilled home

health care, as well as purchase or access equipment to track her red and white blood cells and, most importantly,

her platelet levels, which are vital in multiple myeloma.

Out-of-pocket costs for cancer can quickly climb into hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month, even for

insured patients, and that strain is deeply felt when a family is already stretched thin. On top of normal bills and

responsibilities, we are doing everything possible to keep our home stable and loving for our children, and for each

other, while one person tries to be husband, father, mother and caregiver, provider, and homemaker all at once.

Every additional appointment, chemo-treatment, blood-transfusion, and piece of necessary equipment comes with

a cost, and the health care system often moves painfully slowly until symptoms become life-threatening.

Reaching out for help is humbling, and this request is made with deep respect for everyone who takes the time

to read our story. Any amount you are able to spare will make a real difference in my wife’s safety, comfort, and

dignity as she fights this second cancer in the same year. We are profoundly grateful for every donation, no matter

the size, and equally grateful for your prayers, your thoughts, and your willingness to CIRCULATE AND SHARE THIS

CAMPAIGN WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND OTHERS. Your support gives our family hope and more time together as we walk through this very difficult season. Faith over fear.