Recently, our colleague and friend, Tyler Parsons (pictured on the left) was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera. This is a rare blood cancer that causes his body to develop a dangerously high number of red blood cells, which can cause systemic damage. He has already had to be admitted to the hospital for one week due to a massive blood clot in his liver from cancer, which resulted in heavy expenses. His treatment involves experimental therapies, which can be extremely expensive due to a lack of insurance coverage. In addition, due to the rarity of this type of cancer, the genetic sequencing and bone marrow biopsies involved in the diagnosis have already resulted in substantial medical debt. Due to the costs involved in treatment, medical visits, transport to specialty clinicians, medications, the medical debt that has already been accumulated, and all other costs involved in fighting this type of cancer, we would like to raise as much money as possible for our friend.

Tyler is earning a Ph.D. in cancer biology and is currently in the process of submitting his research in treating non-small cell lung cancer with novel drugs and radiation delivery methods. The work that he is doing now will hopefully be used in clinical trials as a better alternative to standard care. He is graduating soon and will be entering a post-doctoral research fellowship, where he will be investigating blood cancers, similar to the one he has. While a postdoctoral fellowship is a necessary step for many young researchers, the pay that he will receive for the next four to five years is substantially less than what a career-level scientist would receive.

Tyler has been a leader, teacher, and role model for many people at Oakland University. He mentored multiple undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have gone on to publish their own research in their respective fields. Outside of the lab, he is a beloved friend, son, brother, and husband. We would be extremely grateful for any type of assistance that you would be able to offer our friend over the course of his treatments.