We’re asking for support to help our dear friend Krystal through cancer treatment. If you don’t yet know of the kindness, genuine love, and generosity that is our girl Krystal, it’s only because you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting her. An encounter with Krystal is a reminder of the love and compassion that remains left in this world. It’s our turn to return that kindness.

In June of 2024, Krystal was diagnosed with multiple myeloma IgA, an aggressive cancer that affects the bone marrow’s plasma cells, causing severe complications and disruption of the production of healthy blood cells. Sadly, myeloma is incurable, but with ongoing treatment and a bone marrow transplant, Krystal has the chance to live in remission without any signs and symptoms of the disease.

Krystal is currently being treated by a team at Tacoma General Hospital which includes weekly oral and injection chemotherapy. However, for the best outcomes, Krystal is planning to undergo a bone marrow transplant in December 2024 at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle.

The goal of the transplant is to further reduce symptoms, slow the progression and advancement of the disease and ultimately put the disease into remission. In order to successfully undergo this treatment and manage potential complications, Krystal will need to live at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center for three months. She will rent a small apartment on the Fred Hutch campus where she can live with the assistance of one caregiver. The apartment will provide a safe and sterile environment required to protect Krystal’s immune compromised state. During her stay, she will have to live apart from her companions, Ruby and Mable Mae (Krystal’s dog and cat).

During these three months, Krystal’s expenses will be extensive. She will be unable to work (and with dwindling time off, will likely not be collecting a paycheck). Despite her job being protected by FMLA, Krystal will be paying for her health insurance out of pocket during this time. She will need to cover the cost of her temporary housing at Fred Hutch, her continued monthly expenses for her current home in Tacoma, as well as the care of her beloved fur babies. Not to mention the cost of day to day life.

We want to ensure that Krystal is able to focus on her health and wellbeing without the added burden of financial stress. Any donation, no matter the size, will help us meet our goal to cover costs associated with her medical expenses, support her ongoing care, and assist with the financial obligations tied to her home and daily life.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and support. Krystal is a champion and cheerleader for so many of us, we look forward to returning the favor in a tangible way during the crucial time.

Krystal's Venmo: @krystal-Wade