My name is Robby Vizard. My husband, Jeff Pheasant, 74 ,was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in August. Because of this we had to remove the old coal stove that heated our house and install a new propane furnace.

(This photo is of our friends, Mike and Matt, who did the heavy lifting to remove the old cast iron stove. When it came down to lifting it up the basement stairs, Matt had to go get his tractor to pull it up the steps.)

Jeff can no longer go into the basement and deal with the coal dust, ash and possible molds. We are managing the medical expenses so far, but the over $10,000 price of the furnace is putting us in a bind.

The picture of Jeff and me dressed for Brewster's Pajama Day is from 10 years ago. Happier times. Now Jeff isn't allowed to eat hand-dipped ice cream because of a condition called neutropenia. His immune system is so depressed that exposure to many things puts his life at risk. Stupid things like fresh fruits and vegetables are off the menu because of possible fungus, mold and pesticide residue. Fortunately, this only lasts about 3 weeks after a course of chemo. Then for a week and a half he can eat fairly normally until it's time for another round. However, just before the last round, he had to have all his teeth pulled because they were a source of infection that an almost 2 week stay in the hospital was not able to overcome with just antibiotics. I'm really having to improvise when it comes to meals. A lot of the food I prepared and froze over the summer is not immediately usable. I'm lucky that his appetite has been so good, and his willingness to eat the things I prepare for him amazes me.

Next week on 12/10 he goes in for chemo round 4 of the 5 they are recommending. He is worrying about the upcoming bad weather for driving. If we are back on the daily 26 mile, one way, trips to Hershey, and we get a snow or ice event, I don't know how or if we will get there. When he is getting daily infusions if he misses one or more, a fall could cause bruising of life threatening proportions.

I'm really uncomfortable asking for your help, but I thank all of you who have made donations so far, and I hope some more of you will consider giving us a hand keeping our heads above water.