As a family we learned earlier this month that after years of having polycythemia-vera, my dad Scott, has now entered the next stage and has been diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a serious and life-threatening bone marrow disease. This is a type of blood cancer that requires extensive treatment in this next stage. His care team at U of M told us he will need a bone marrow transplant, and the road ahead will be long and challenging.

During his transplant, he will be starting the process of chemotherapy and staying in the hospital for at least a month to go through the process of transfusions and the transplant. Then he is required to move to Ann Arbor for several months after to be close to U of M. Our family will be traveling back and forth and will take turns staying with him to provide him with care 24/7. The cost of temporary housing, travel, medical expenses, lost income, etc. is unknown and is more than anyone would be able to handle. As a family, we rarely ask for help but right now we truly need it.

Your support would mean the world to us and any amount helps -- no donation is too small. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the kindness, prayers, and support as we learn to navigate a new way of living and one of the hardest moments for my family.

This goal is based on the estimated cost of moving near Ann Arbor, weekly and / or daily travel of 260 miles round-trip for over four months, and additional medical and daily living expenses during my dad’s transplant treatment. My mom Elizabeth, my sister Nicole, and myself will be taking intermitted time off of work to be full time caregivers for my dad.

With much love and on behalf of my family,

Allison.