For those of you who don’t know, my brother Stephen, let me tell you just a little bit about him. He’s a 31 year-old who enjoys, hiking, mountain biking, zip lining, playing video games and watching movies, his favorite being Brother Where Art Thou. He is incredibly smart, has a laugh that will light up the room and genuinely cares about everyone in his life. About four years ago he was diagnosed with the same rare cancer that took our older brother Daniel 17 years ago. NK T-cell lymphoma. We know how aggressive this cancer can be seeing how quickly it took our older brother. Stephen has been through several rounds of chemo, a bone marrow transplant, several surgeries and most recent was having large tumor removed from his brain. I rarely hear him complain, even though the side effects are unbelievably brutal.

Currently, he is at the University of Michigan Hospital with no discharge date. He will need at least one more round of chemo and are hoping to do another bone marrow transplant in the near future.

My goal is to highlight Stephen’s story and bring him encouragement. I decided to run a half marathon in honor of my younger brother Stephen and in memory of my older brother Daniel. All funds raised will go directly to my dad Gary Mullen who is Stephen‘s main caretaker. Being Stephen’s caretaker is a full-time job. My dad does attempt to work when he can as he needs to keep a roof over his head and food on the table. He is making ends meet but it has not been easy. These funds will be used to assist my dad in taking care of Stephen.

Example of use of funds;

gas to drive to and from the hospital as it is about one hour away from home.

Paid parking at the hospital

Equipment needed for when he does come home.

COUNTLESS MEDICAL BILLS

And honestly, so my dad can eat at the hospital while he’s visiting, without stressing about funds.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Please keep Stephen in your prayers

Love Stephen’s big sister Stephanie