Support for the Vaira Family

On Monday, July 8th, Samantha visited the Sidney Same Day Clinic which resulted in concerning blood test results. By Wednesday she was referred to oncology, and Thursday the oncologist performed a bone marrow biopsy. By Friday afternoon Dr. Pedersen called saying that it was confirmed she has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and they would like to life flight her to Mayo Clinic within the hour.

Michael was able to fly with Samantha to Mayo Clinic. Their 3 month old baby, Etta Rose, was left with family in Montana. It has all been a very scary whirlwind, but we feel blessed to have such quick answers and responses for something that people often find themselves waiting and waiting for.

Sam was able to start her first treatments in Sidney before she even got on the plane, and started her first "round" of chemotherapy last week. Each "round" is one month. Samantha will need 3-8 rounds of chemo, plus (most likely) a stem cell transplant. We are already very impressed with the team at Mayo and confident that Samantha is receiving top notch care; she is feeling strong and determined.

Samantha's prognosis is good, but the treatment for acute leukemia is very aggressive. Because of this, she will need to remain in Rochester for the next 6-12 months. We are hoping that once things settle down a little bit, and Samantha is able to spend time as an outpatient, the family can get short-term housing so Etta is able to join them in Minnesota .

As one would expect, a life changing diagnosis comes with many financial obligations. Samantha is a (very awesome!) first grade teacher and is unable to teach this school year. Funds will primarily be used for housing in Rochester and travel expenses for family members who will be traveling back and forth to help with the baby and household maintenance.

Samantha, Michael, and their family members have been touched by so many people reaching out wanting to help. Please continue to pray for Samantha, Michael, and Etta; specifically that this first round of chemo puts Samantha into remission (remission in this sense does not mean the cancer is cured) and that she is able to progress to the next stage of treatment.