Support The Kreamer Family During Cancer Treatment

In June of this year, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells that produce white blood cells. This condition can lead to various complications, including bone damage, reduced immunity, anemia, and kidney function decline. On a positive note, recent advancements in treatment have made multiple myeloma more manageable, and my prognosis is good.

The treatments are costly and challenging, and I have to follow some restrictions on my daily activities. Side effects include fatigue, digestive issues, and a decline in cognitive abilities. My typical work week has been reduced to around 40 hours (about half of what is required) and limited to administrative and light duty. If anyone is wondering why I haven’t been at the seafood counter at Chesapeake’s Bounty taking orders the last two months, this is the reason. With my treatments, immunity is low, and I need to avoid infections from bacteria and viruses. I do miss the job and our customers dearly!

At work, my management team was forced to hire extra help to take over the more physical tasks of my former job. This will be the case for at least 6 months. Due to lack of funds in the budget, I will need to work without pay.

This is a very difficult situation for my family and for Chesapeake’s Bounty. My wife is working hard to take care of our 5 children and daily tasks, while also running her own business. In the past when I worked without pay, I would use credit cards and loans for my personal expenses. This practice ultimately led me to filing for bankruptcy earlier this year and I am no longer able to borrow money. Like so many people out there, we have always lived paycheck to paycheck and don’t have any savings, investments or equity. Now the medical bills are starting to pile up from my tests, procedures, and medications, in addition to the lingering costs of our water well and HVAC failing this winter at home. I guess you could say 2024 has been "one of those years."

The last thing I ever wanted to do was to ask the community for financial help, but at this point we are running out of options. I physically can't handle a second job right now and my support is still needed at Chesapeake’s Bounty.

We are asking for donations to cover my salary for the next 6 months while I am in treatment and working without pay. When this long year is finally over, our health insurance deductible and out-pocket-expenses will reset, and we will need funds to cover any treatments next year. We know that so many people are also struggling out there, and we have been avoiding this plea for help for months.

We have received so much love and encouragement from friends, family and the community since this all began. We love and appreciate you and are grateful for all your support, no matter in what form it comes.