Support Ivan's Fight Against Lymphoma

“In sickness and in health.”

Most people when getting married utter these words, but (thankfully) very few are forced to discover at only 34 years of age, how significant those five words can be. At first glance, it appears that Ivan and Corinne have it all: They are high school sweethearts who have now been married for 9 years with two wonderful sons. Their world turned upside down in July 2024, when Ivan suddenly developed a large swelling in his neck. He went to urgent care with what he thought was a swollen lymph node. They referred him to the emergency room for a CT scan and he was transported from there to the hospital where he stayed for two weeks. The swelling turned out to be from a blood clot, caused by a large tumor in Ivan’s chest, pressing on his heart and airway, and surrounding a major vein. After many tests, scans, procedures and specialists, it has been determined that Ivan is battling Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is an aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He has completed a round of radiation and started chemotherapy, but there is a long road ahead.

Prior to this, Ivan was working 60+ hours per week for Idaho’s foster care system, where he recently became a Lead, supervising other staff and working directly with foster children in so many ways (cooking, homework help, sports, playing games, or even simply keeping watch over the kids as they slept). Ivan loved this work, but it was performed as an independent contractor, so there is no sick leave, no health benefits, no disability payments. His income from this position has dropped to zero, and it was an income his own family heavily relied upon. Thankfully, Ivan also works for UPS, which will continue to provide his family with health insurance through his short term disability. Corinne works as an administrative specialist for the City where they live. Between working, taking care of the boys, and helping Ivan through the myriad maze of this new cancer diagnosis, she is stretched thin. Thankfully, Ivan’s parents live locally, and are able to help out with childcare as they maneuver this path. Corinne’s parents live 8 hours away in north Idaho, but are coming to visit and to help as frequently as possible.

This fundraiser is being done to help to cover the costs of Ivan’s medical treatment, as well as to help with day-to-day living expenses for their family. With their income suddenly cut by more than 2/3’s, it would be a huge relief for them to know that they can meet some of their financial responsibilities of groceries, utilities, and even the roof over their heads. By alleviating some of these financial needs, Ivan and Corinne can put their focus where it needs to be – on Ivan’s survival, and keeping life as normal as possible for their two young sons. Literally even $1 can help, and they appreciate anyone who can help them in any way. 34 is WAY TOO YOUNG to suddenly be facing this tremendous health challenge – we are all praying that treatment is effective, successful, and that Ivan can return to “normal” and move from sickness back to health as soon as possible.