Support Charlie Simpson

Charlie and Ashley Simpson are in need of our help and support. Whether you know Charlie from the first half of his life in Cle Elum, or the next chapter of his life in Ellensburg as the owner and operator of Bleachers, you’ve undoubtedly experienced or witnessed his generosity to others. Charlie has spent his entire life putting the needs of others ahead of his own. His generosity often borders on absurdity and he struggles to let those close to him reciprocate in any meaningful way. Charlie is a proud man who needs, but will not ask, for our help. As one of his many friends, I’m asking on his behalf for your support in his fight.

As many of you already know, Charlie endured 33 rounds of radiation treatment in 2020 as squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer, was detected on and in the back of his neck. His treatments were thought to be successful and the cancer has been in remission... until now. Charlie and Ashley recently learned his remission was only temporary and another fight is needed. They discovered this terrible news when his body was having a hard time recovering from pneumonia and his doctors took a closer look at his lungs. After a few different scans, Charlie’s doctor gave them the devastating news that his aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma had returned with a vengeance. Multiple cancerous lesions of various sizes were detected on all three lobes of his right lung. A whole-body scan identified additional lesions on his brain, femur, right flank, and on one of his ribs.

Charlie is getting great care at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX and his doctors have formulated their battle plan. The first step was for Charlie to stop taking one of the immunosuppressant drugs he has been on since his second kidney transplant. Although this drug helps keep his immune system from rejecting his transplant, his doctors feel that going off of it will allow his immune system to kick back into action and start fighting the cancer that has invaded his body. Charlie received a high dose of targeted radiation that was delivered to the cancerous lesion on his brain. That treatment took a lot out of him but he’s finally starting to feel better. He’ll be undergoing extensive chemotherapy treatments starting April 3rd that will hopefully shrink the remaining cancer in his body. Once doctors determine the level of success achieved with chemotherapy, they’ll finalize the additional steps in his treatment plan.

Charlie will soon be unable to work. He is paid hourly for his work at a local golf and country club in the Dallas area and he has limited paid time off. Within weeks, Charlie and Ashley will be without Charlie’s income, yet their household and medical bills will still need to be paid. Rather than Charlie and Ashley worrying about their finances while Charlie is fighting for his life, I’m hoping his network of friends can generously support his fight. In addition to our financial support, Charlie and Ashley could certainly use our phone calls and messages of encouragement.

With Appreciation,

Luke Tracy