I'm reaching out to you today with a heavy heart, but also with immense hope, on behalf of our beloved Leann and her husband, Troy. As many of you know, life often throws unexpected challenges our way, and October brought a particularly daunting one for Leann. What began as a trip to the doctor for what she believed were kidney stones quickly unfolded into a far more serious diagnosis: a mass in her abdomen, which she's affectionately, or perhaps not so affectionately, nicknamed "Timmy."

The initial suspicion from her oncologist was Renal Cell Carcinoma, but further investigation was needed. The weeks that followed were marked by increasing abdominal and back pain, as "Timmy" made his presence undeniably known. After a tense period of waiting, the biopsy results delivered news that was both shocking and incredibly rare. Leann was diagnosed with Adrenocortical Carcinoma, a cancer so uncommon that it affects only about one in a million people. This is certainly not the news any family ever hopes to receive, and it has undeniably shaken Leann, Troy, and their entire family to their core.

In their unwavering pursuit of the best possible care, Leann and Troy are now embarking on a critical journey to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This world-renowned institution offers specialized expertise in rare and complex cancers like Leann's, and they are holding onto every ounce of hope that MD Anderson can provide a clear path forward—whether that's groundbreaking treatments or, ideally, a successful strategy to "evict Timmy" once and for all.

However, this battle comes with an unforeseen and substantial financial burden. The costs associated with specialized appointments, potential treatments, surgeries, essential medications, and the extensive travel and accommodation required for care in Houston are quickly accumulating. While Leann and Troy are fiercely independent, facing these challenges without support would mean diverting precious energy away from Leann's healing journey.

Those of you who know Leann and Troy understand their incredible generosity. They are truly the kind of people who would, without a second thought, give you the very shirt off their backs. They open their hearts and their homes, embracing everyone they meet into their "extended family" with unconditional love and zero expectations. Their kindness and selflessness have touched countless lives, and now, it's our turn to rally around them.

We are humbly asking for your support in any way you can offer it. Financial contributions, no matter the size, would be a tremendous relief, allowing them to focus entirely on Leann's fight without the added stress of mounting expenses. Beyond financial aid, we implore you for your most fervent prayers, positive thoughts, and good wishes. Every bit of spiritual and emotional support is deeply valued and profoundly appreciated as they navigate this challenging time.

Thank you for being a part of Leann and Troy's community and for considering how you might help lighten their load.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Amber Travelstead