Support Rich Hildebrand: Stem Cell Translant fund

On behalf of Rich Hildebrand, his children are reaching out to the locals and people he knows both near and far. A few years ago, dad was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis is an uncommon type of bone marrow cancer that disrupts your body’s normal production of blood cells. In the years following his diagnosis, he has had many doctor appointments, tests, and a low dose of chemo pills to help with some symptoms. His tests have shown stable levels omitting the need to worry. However, early January tests showed what no one wants to see…….a change and decline in health.

Medical advice given to him provided two options. He could continue his path and see his health decline faster and faster or have a stem cell transplant, and with it, the hope it gives him more years of good health. The stem cell transplant takes Dad away from home for up to seven months as he is required to live in isolation for a month following the transplant and three to six months after, living within 30 minutes of Saskatoon.

Dad has chosen the route of the stem cell transplant. However, not only do he and mom need to live away from home for an extended period of time (requiring them to rent a place), but he will also endure an increase in gas bills for medical appointments, and new medications post-transplant. In addition,both he and mom will need to take time off from their jobs thereby losing their income source.

Our description of dad is that of a family man. He worked many long hard days to provide for his family. His job sometimes took him away for days or weeks at a time. When not working, he would be carving wood sculptures, helping neighbors, and going to church. He spent many hours teaching us about nature as he spent a long career as a conversation officer. Many of our memories were made building snow forts, and fishing on the lake in the summer and ice in the winter. Dad is a very caring, loving, talented, goofy, wonderful husband, father and son. He is always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. He is a proud grandfather to 5 grandkids.

As much as he is always willing to help we know he would hesitate to ask for help, so we are asking on his behalf. Dad’s transplant will be done in April and we have decided to raise money to assist mom and dad with their upcoming and unexpected bills.

Thank you,

Teri Smith, Jennifer Lundy, David Hildebrand