Support Aaron's Journey to Overcome Cancer

In October of 2023 Aaron Laster, age 36, was diagnosed with a stage 4 subtype of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Since receiving the initial diagnosis he has been undergoing Chemotherapy and radiation. Approximately three and half weeks post radiation treatments, we found out his Cancer had relapsed and became extremely aggressive.

Soon after finding out the extent of the cancer’s progression, Aaron was admitted into Baptist hospital due to spinal cord compression. By pushing heavy doses of steroids, they were able to stabilize his spinal cord. Immediately following, they put him back in radiation daily, with the goal of shrinking the cancer enough to have the ability to administer a more direct and intense form of Chemotherapy. This chemotherapy is specifically designed to keep Aaron’s cancer at bay until they get him prepared for his next journey in the following weeks to come.

Over the next six weeks Aaron will be preparing for CAR-T Cell Therapy. He will undergo back-to-back testing, scans, and procedures, including sending his blood off to be reengineered. The week his new blood arrives he will then have to have a three day procedure called Lymphodepleting Chemotherapy. It is unique as it is designed specifically to deplete any remaining healthy T cells in the body, to prepare for administering his newly reengineered T cells back into his body. In turn, the new T cells have the job of attacking all of his B cells, in hopes of wiping out all traces of his cancer.

With all of this being said, from the day the new cells are administered, Aaron will have to be completely isolated from the public for 100 days. He will have to be monitored 24/7 in isolation for the first 31 days. His sister will be his caretaker. The treatment requires them to live within a close proximity of the hospital during the most critical 31 days. Aaron’s insurance will cover the hefty expense of the CAR-T cell therapy to be performed at Duke University Hospital, but they will not cover lodging and travel. Aaron does not have short term or long term disability and will be out of sick time before this process is completed.

I am reaching out to every one of you to please pray for Aaron’s complete healing. Also, please pray for the doctors and CAR-T cell team in that they are able to give Aaron the safest care possible.

If you feel led to donate, all proceeds will go towards helping Aaron with finances and everyday living expenses. No amount is too small and we greatly appreciate you all! It is not the start of Aaron’s fight… it’s his preparation to go to war!! Help us, help Aaron beat Cancer!