Help David Calvert Fight Leukemia and Stay Afloat

On July 30, my friend and longtime reporting partner, David Calvert, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia — an aggressive blood cancer that attacks the bone marrow and weakens the immune system.

This diagnosis has upended David's life overnight.

David is kind and generous — a gifted photographer, storyteller and mentor. His sharp eye and wit are unforgettable to everyone who's had the privilege of knowing or working with him.

He's spent decades documenting life in Nevada, photographing the people and places that shape our state. His work isn't just beautiful — it's essential.

David's photographs for UNR and non-profits like Renown's Children's Hospital, Communities in Schools, Donor Network West, The Reno Philharmonic, and others, have helped these institutions tell their stories.

If you've ever been to a Reno Aces game, you probably recognize David. Baseball was his first love, and it's been a dream realized to be the club's team photographer since its inception in 2009.

Second to spending time at the ballpark is the happiness derived from photographing the annual Bishop Mule Days Celebration in Bishop, Calif. Whatever community he's in, David gives himself wholly to those relationships.

At The Nevada Independent, I've had the privilege of working with him on stories about youth mental health in rural communities, disability services, a youth shelter at risk of closure, and more. He is also one of the only photojournalists to regularly document the Legislature, creating an invaluable visual record of Nevada history.

As an adjunct instructor at his alma mater, the University of Nevada, Reno's Reynolds School of Journalism, he's mentored hundreds of students, offering guidance, support and real-world wisdom.

David was also recently honored for his volunteerism with the National Press Photographers Association, an organization he has supported for more than 20 years. For more than a decade, he has advised UNR's student chapter. He also served as a regional chair and edited the organization's weekly newsletter.

Now, David faces a fight for his life.

He's still awaiting further test results, but he will soon begin chemotherapy (or a similar aggressive treatment). And with a compromised immune system, he won't be able to take on photography work for several months — possibly through the end of the year or longer.

And the timing couldn't be worse: His partner, Marissa, was recently laid off from her public health job due to federal budget cuts. The financial uncertainty is overwhelming.

As David and his partner get ready to fight his cancer, I'm launching this fundraiser to help them stay in their home, take care of their three dogs and weather whatever the future holds without fear and financial anxiety.

If you've ever worked with David, laughed at his jokes, learned from him or been moved by his storytelling, please consider giving.

Your support will make a meaningful difference in this fight.

Keep an eye on this page for future updates on David’s cancer fight.