Today, we come to share the story of a 57 year old,wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. 

Terri L. Altwine of rural Elm Creek, Ne has spent her life devoted to her husband of 39 years, Randy and their two daughters-Natasha and Lindsey.  Terri is also a loving grandmother to Aubree, Paxton, Hudson, Theodore, Georgie, and Aiden. Terri's greatest joy is spending time with her grandchildren and helping her family.   For the past 31 years, Terri has built a career at Cabela's (now Bass Pro  Shop) in Kearney.  Terri and Randy also own and operate an independent cattle trucking company.   Terri is also an avid gardener and plants many flowers and vegetables.  This hobby of working outside in the dirt gives her a sense of accomplishment and fills her cup.
In 2012, Terri was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (a rare blood cancer).  This later caused Budd Chiari Syndrome which is another very rare condition affecting one in a million adults.  This caused cirrhosis of the liver; permanent liver damage.  With treatment and careful monitoring, she was able to continue working and enjoying life.  At the beginning of 2020, Terri started showing increasing signs of fatigue.  Refusing to slow down or cut hours at work, Terri continued on.  Because of COVID-19, a scheduled checkup in March was postponed until May.  At that appointment it became clear why Terri was so fatigued.  Terri was diagnosed with AML
(acute amyloid leukemia).  Terri and her family quickly made a game plan for treatment and four days later she began chemotherapy.  Since June, Terri has completed   2-ten day rounds of chemotherapy with a 30 day break between treatments.  This also included a ten day stay in the hospital for transfusions.
Thanks to the amazing group of doctors and the treatment plan, Terri is currently in remission and working on regaining her strength.  The next step in her recovery is a stem cell transplant from stem cells donated by one of her sisters.  The transplant is scheduled for the end of September.  Beginning on September 24, Terri will be admitted into the hospital for isolation and preparation for the transplant.  She will also remain in the hospital for 10-15 days after the transplant for close monitoring.
After Terri is released from the hospital, She must remain in Omaha for several months.  Doctors want her to be close to the hospital to monitor for signs of rejection or other complications as well as for follow up appointments and continuous blood work to ensure the transplant is successful. 
To help Terri focus solely on her full recovery and begin living her life again, we have established this account to assist in eliminating the financial burden associated with expenses not covered by insurance as well as lodging, food, and transportation to appointments during this time while Terri is unable to work and Randy will have to limit his trucking to be by her side as she will require around the clock care and transportation to her appointments.  If you are willing:  monetary donations of any amount are what we are asking for to support Terri.  If you are unable to give financially, PLEASE keep Terri and her family in your continued prayers.
If all goes well, Terri is hoping to be home in time for Christmas to celebrate with her family.  This year the JOY of Christmas will be less on the gifts under the tree and more on the BLESSINGS that Family, Love, and Support can bring.
Thank you in advance for your donation, either monetary or through prayers for Terri and her family and check in often for updates on her condition.


Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at:  Terri Altwine Benefit
                                                                                                              Firstier Bank
                                                                                                              222 N Tyler St
                                                                                                              Elm Creek, Ne. 68836