Support The Duron Family – I Am Because We Are

Hi, my name is Kim Stiffler. Amy Duron is my cousin, and her family desperately needs our help. Amy and Mike Duron are salt of the earth, hard-working people. In their current time of need, I hope our community can work even harder to support them.

HERE’S THE GIST:

Michael was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 T-cell lymphoma two years ago. He has been through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, had his thyroid removed, had radiation and chemo for that, and now his best hope is a Stem Cell Transplant. Michael will need to be in Kansas City for 100 days. For the first 30 days, he will be in the hospital, and Amy will travel there on the weekends. After 30 days, he will need an apartment nearby and round-the-clock care. Amy will need a leave of absence from her job to care for him.

ABOUT THE DURON FAMILY:

Amy is a 5th-grade teacher in Valley Center, KS. She is dedicated to her students.

Michael worked for many years in lawn irrigation. After his diagnosis, he is currently working for Excel Industries. In a heartbeat, he would offer his help to anyone and everyone.

The couple has two children, Gracia and Gage. Gracia just started college at Bethel, and Gage, who has Downs Syndrome, attends Valley Center High School.

Recently, the couple selflessly fostered their two nieces for over a year.

BACKGROUND:

Mike was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 T-cell lymphoma at 38 years old. He just turned 40. Needless to say, these past couple of years have been brutally difficult for Michael and his family.

Here is a timeline of what they have been through, which is enough to bring anyone to their knees:

Sept. 2020 - went to Dr. about swollen lymph nodes and was ignored multiple times.

March 2021 - found a new Primary Care Dr. and was diagnosed with Aggressive T-cell Lymphoma, stage 3, 38 years old

Had a portacath installed and had six rounds of chemotherapy

Found Stage 1 cancer on his thyroid - had his thyroid removed Dec. 23, 2021

May 2022 - Recurrence of lymphoma

May - July 2022 - did 2 out of 3 rounds of chemo that lasted three days each, consisting of 8-hour days. Michael started having breathing issues so had to stop treatment and go to inpatient treatment which required him to be in the hospital for 3-5 days.

Michael was scheduled for a Stem Cell transplant, but the results of his chemo were not good enough to use his own Stem Cells for a transplant.

Referred to Kansas City, found a 100% match for a Stem Cell donor.

Mike’s Stem Cell transplant is scheduled for Nov. 1. He will need to be in Kansas City for 100 days. This is where we come in. While in Kansas City, they need help with lodging and food costs. He needs someone with him 24 hours a day, Amy will need to leave her teaching job, and her son with Down Syndrome also needs care.

CALL TO ACTION

Reader, I’m sure you can imagine the crushing doctor bills, the struggle of going through chemotherapy/radiation, and the uncertainty of how you will provide for your family as you fight for your life.

Please accept this call to action by supporting Mike, Amy, and their children via donation or by sharing/re-posting this link.

I cannot think of a family more deserving of this kindness. Thank you.