Support Thomas Kealey's Fight Against Leukemia

Many of you know Thomas Kealey, the dedicated husband, son, and nurse at Bend Surgery Center. Thomas' passion for helping others runs deep, and for years he's been a beacon of hope and healing for many patients. Now, it's Thomas who needs our help.

In July 2024, Thomas received a devastating diagnosis – leukemia. This news came on the heels of another heartbreaking challenge: in April 2024 Thomas' mom was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Despite facing this double blow, Thomas' spirit remains strong. He's determined to fight his own battle so he can be there for his mother, returning the love and support she's always given him. However, the road ahead is filled with hurdles.

Thomas has a very rare form of leukemia (mixed phenotype leukemia). For the past 11 months, he underwent intensive treatment, spending significant time at OHSU in Portland undergoing chemotherapy and radiation and receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant from a German donor in late 2024. Throughout this challenging period, despite a return of cancer in his central nervous system and other

medical setbacks, Thomas, supported by his loving wife Lindsey and

medical teams, has fought tirelessly to maintain his spirits and heal.

Now, they have incredible news: Thomas is in remission! At diagnosis, 94% of his bone marrow was leukemia cells, so for the cancer to be gone after his transplant and cancer relapse around his brain, is truly a miracle. Click here to learn about their journey to remission on the Brain it On! Podcast.

The Road Ahead: Ongoing Challenges & Needs

While the transplant eliminated Thomas’ cancer, his bone marrow

still isn't producing healthy cells, necessitating blood transfusions.

He'll also resume oral chemo for relapse concerns and may need a

supplemental transplant if his immune system doesn't recover

naturally. On top of this, Thomas is managing ongoing

complications: Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD), a heart issue,

and a brain aneurysm. His medical care now involves a mix of local

treatment in Bend and ongoing specialized care at OHSU. So,

while they celebrate remission, it's definitely a new normal with his

continuous medical needs and uncertainties.

Before July 2024, Thomas was a dedicated Bend Surgery Center charge nurse, and Lindsey an OSU Cascades instructor and social-emotional learning trainer. Thomas' cancer necessitated them leaving their jobs and moving to Portland for his treatment, straining their finances. Now, Thomas and Lindsey are back in Bend. Lindsey is working again part-time, and they also continue to help Thomas’s mother, who has battled stage 4 pancreatic cancer this past year. As they navigate this difficult time, any support you can offer—through prayers or donations—would be deeply appreciated. Thomas and Lindsey are truly grateful for your love and support!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Thomas and Lindsey Kealey

Please share our story! Spreading the word can help us reach our goal and ease the financial burden of Thomas's treatment.