Support Becky and Mike's Challenge

This campaign is on behalf of Michael Jeske and family as Michael undergoes cancer treatment and recovery. Michael is a CTE Agriculture Teacher, FFA Advisor, manages a SkillsUSA team, and is the CTE Director at Rochester School District in Rochester, Washington. He has been employed with Rochester since 2006. He and his wife Becky, have an 8 year old daughter, Sophia. They are members of our CTE family.

At the beginning of this school year, Michael Jeske was diagnosed with a relapse of gray zone lymphoma cancer. Gray zone lymphoma is a rare type of cancer where cells express both classical Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin (b-cell) cancer types. In 2011 Michael underwent chemotherapy, total body radiation, and an autologous stem cell transplant, transplanting his own cells back to reset his immune system.  With this re-occurrence, the team at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) has determined that a care plan including chemotherapy, targeted radiation, and an allogeneic stem cell transplant is the best chance of beating this cancer. Allogeneic stem cell transplants have a much longer recovery time, as the patient’s immune system is being entirely replaced (hopefully) by the new stem cells. This is a high-risk procedure and recovery, but ultimately the only hope for a cure.

 Michael is required to live in Seattle near SCCA for at least 100 days post-transplant, and up to 6-8 months depending upon complications with recovery. He requires a full time caregiver as part of his recovery plan. Additionally, Michael is unable to return to work at Rochester High School for the second half of this year’s school year (17-18) and at least the first semester of the 18-19 school year, as a result of his compromised immune system. Any funds raised will offset the cost of living in Seattle, (apartment rent = $3000/month) and contribute towards other expenses he and his family may incur related to lodging, travel, and costs not covered by insurance.

Beyond considering financial support to Michael and his family, please consider the opportunity to sign up at: Be The Match (bethematch.org). Interested individuals may sign up to be added to the data base of donors, so they may be able to someday be the match necessary to provide lifesaving treatment via blood or bone marrow donation.

Prayers and well wishes are also welcome and appreciated.