Support Les' Fight Against Leukemia

Les’ journey with leukemia began in January with abnormal results from a routine blood test. After an unplanned ambulance ride and several days at Parkview Hospital, the doctors recommended a bone marrow biopsy. It took more than a week, but the third bone biopsy attempt was successful! A few days later, at the follow-up appointment just before lunch, the doctor could see it was leukemia and told Les to leave for Denver and the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute IMMEDIATELY.

That day, Wednesday, February 19, Les and his wife were driving north from Pueblo to Denver. By 4 p.m., he was admitted to the hospital and facing a completely different life.

The doctors at CBCI were quick to evaluate his condition. He started an intense chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Sunday, February 23. The CLIA/VEN treatment is 8 days of five different drugs. Then there’s a period of 7-10 days of zero white blood cells (ANC 0) when Les is most susceptible to infection. Eventually, his body will begin to produce blood cells again. After the chemo has had enough time to work, he’ll have another bone marrow biopsy to assess the progression of leukemia and decide the next step in treatment. Les will be in the hospital, good news or bad, for 28 days.

His work, his friends, his church, and his home are over two hours away. With family and grown children in other states, his wife, Esther, bears the weight of caring for him at the hospital in Denver, maintaining their finances, home, and life responsibilities in Pueblo while she also has to take care of herself. Since hospitals are not hotels, she has had to find an apartment in town.

Les’ extended family is starting this fund to support him and Esther with the hospital bills from previous admissions, from CBCI, and his current cancer treatment, as well as the additional expenses of a temporary but full-time life in a new city. Your prayers, comments of encouragement, and donations are greatly appreciated and wholeheartedly needed. Thank you for your friendship and compassion!