Support Mike's Battle with Lymphoma
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On October 16, following several weeks of symptoms, we checked Michael into the emergency room with what we thought was a developing case of walking pneumonia. We expected a few short tests, a prescription antibiotic, and to be on our way. Little did we know that the "routine scans" would show a large mass behind his sternum which, after an extended stay and several biopsies, would change all of our lives forever.
Over the last six weeks, Michael has been in and out of the hospital: labs, procedures, CT & PET scans, all to discover that, at the age of 21, he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has already undergone two of the twelve chemotherapy sessions which will be followed by radiation as part of his treatment plan and, Lord willing, cure, all while attempting to finish his senior year at Towson University.
Despite his strength, and God's grace, through every step of this process, nothing about a cancer diagnosis in your 20s is easy-- especially at a time when his family lives so far away, and graduation and the start of our lives is so near. It has been a tough journey for all of us, letting go of the immediate plans that we had- of graduate school, marriage, and a family, and accepting that God is in complete control no matter the circumstances. But even in spite of the faith that we have, the financial burden of this disease has already been substantial.
Already there have been many appointments, procedures, trips, and treatments that none of us were prepared for. I know that he would never ask this for himself, but six months of treatment, while attempting to complete his degree, will be challenging enough without his worrying about living and medical expenses at a time when bills are mounting and he will continually be unable to work.
We know that God is good and that He will provide, but still, we are asking for help-- be it in the form of prayer, meals, reaching out, or helping to offset the many unforeseen costs of his treatment and recovery.
We are so grateful for each and every one of you who has brought us dinners, offered rides, or lifted Michael up in prayer throughout this difficult time. We ask for your continued support, your prayers, and your blessings as he fights and defeats, this terrible disease.
In Him,
Emily
Over the last six weeks, Michael has been in and out of the hospital: labs, procedures, CT & PET scans, all to discover that, at the age of 21, he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has already undergone two of the twelve chemotherapy sessions which will be followed by radiation as part of his treatment plan and, Lord willing, cure, all while attempting to finish his senior year at Towson University.
Despite his strength, and God's grace, through every step of this process, nothing about a cancer diagnosis in your 20s is easy-- especially at a time when his family lives so far away, and graduation and the start of our lives is so near. It has been a tough journey for all of us, letting go of the immediate plans that we had- of graduate school, marriage, and a family, and accepting that God is in complete control no matter the circumstances. But even in spite of the faith that we have, the financial burden of this disease has already been substantial.
Already there have been many appointments, procedures, trips, and treatments that none of us were prepared for. I know that he would never ask this for himself, but six months of treatment, while attempting to complete his degree, will be challenging enough without his worrying about living and medical expenses at a time when bills are mounting and he will continually be unable to work.
We know that God is good and that He will provide, but still, we are asking for help-- be it in the form of prayer, meals, reaching out, or helping to offset the many unforeseen costs of his treatment and recovery.
We are so grateful for each and every one of you who has brought us dinners, offered rides, or lifted Michael up in prayer throughout this difficult time. We ask for your continued support, your prayers, and your blessings as he fights and defeats, this terrible disease.
In Him,
Emily
Organizer and beneficiary
Emma Lee Middleton
Organizer
Cockeysville, MD
Michael Valdes
Beneficiary
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