<div>Our beloved Ber has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer — Central Nervous System non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We are asking for your support to help cover the overwhelming costs of his treatment and care.

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<div><strong>Ber’s diagnosis</strong>

</div>

<div>Just weeks ago, Ber began experiencing slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and cognitive changes. A CT scan revealed two inoperable brain tumors causing severe pressure, pain, and neurological symptoms. He was rushed to Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque for emergency surgery to biopsy the tumors.

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<div><br />

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<div>After a brief discharge, Ber’s condition worsened, prompting another hospital trip. He was transferred (again by ambulance) to Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho — New Mexico’s only oncology center affiliated with MD Anderson and one of the few oncology centers in the country trained to MD Anderson's cutting-edge, highest caliber standards of care. Thankfully, a very high dosage of steroids has began relieving his symptoms, and the pathology confirmed CNS lymphoma. Because surgery isn’t possible, aggressive chemotherapy is now underway.

</div>

<div><br />

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<div><strong>Ber's journey ahead</strong>

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<div>Ber began chemo on his 63rd birthday, surrounded by his wife Lauren and children Alyssa and Austin. His treatment involves multiple inpatient hospital stays over the next 2–4 months, and he will ultimately need a stem cell transplant — a procedure not offered in-state, nor covered by his insurance without prior authorization. The transplant will likely require travel to the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute in Denver for a two-week inpatient stay, pending insurance approval. This procedure alone, if not pre-authorized, can cost up to $150,000. 

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<div><br />

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<div>So far, Ber has had two ambulance rides, three CT scans, two MRIs, and numerous diagnostic procedures. He faces at least 35–50 more non-consecutive days of inpatient chemo, plus potential bi-weekly spinal infusions if cancer is found in his spinal fluid (he has not yet had this procedure). 

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<div><br />

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<div>Despite these hardships, Ber remains his joyful, loving self — cracking jokes and sharing photos of the family dogs with every nurse he meets.

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<div><br />

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<div><strong>Why we're asking for help</strong>

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<div>We’ve set a $125,000 goal to help cover some of the mounting out-of-pocket costs. This includes:

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<div><br />

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<ul>

<li>$500/day inpatient chemotherapy co-pays (x 35-50 days)

</li>

<li>Travel, lodging, and food for both the Denver transplant and in-patient chemo in Rio Rancho

</li>

<li>Flights and transportation for Alyssa and Austin

</li>

<li>Family self-care and further unexpected medical and logistical expenses

</li>

</ul>

<div><br />

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<div>Even with insurance, this journey will place an enormous financial strain on our family.

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<div><br />

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<div><strong>A note from Alyssa &amp; Austin</strong>

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<div>Our parents are our heroes. Ber has always led with kindness — whether he’s asking a cashier how their day is, holding the door for a stranger, or bringing joy to every room he enters. His empathy and humor shine through even in the darkest times. We feel so lucky to call him our dad, and we’re doing everything we can to help him fight this.

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<div><br />

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<div>We know the world is better because of people like Ber — and we hope you’ll help us keep him in it, for many more years to come.

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<div><strong>Thank you</strong>

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<div>From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, support, and generosity. Every contribution — whatever feels meaningful to you — brings us closer to healing and hope.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><strong> Follow Ber’s journey on CaringBridge:</strong>

</div>

<div><a href="https://www.caringbridge.org/site/514ea0c1-3839-11f0-849c-31f3651c56e7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.caringbridge.org/site/514ea0c1-3839-11f0-849c-31f3651c56e7" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.caringbridge.org/site/514ea0c1-3839-11f0-849c-31f3651c56e7</a></a>

</div>

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