Wayne "Bear" Thiner - Transplant Funding

Greetings Friends and Family, 

Many of you know that Wayne “Bear” Thiner was diagnosed in March 2019 with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin’s).  It was discovered shortly after his 3rd knee surgery as he was experiencing significant, unexplainable, whole-body pain.  He started Chemotherapy shortly thereafter and is heading into his 5th round here in July, 6th Treatment will be in August.  Bear is tolerating it as well as can be expected but it has been very challenging, physically and emotionally, for him and our family.   Chemotherapy has also stalled the healing progress of his knee, which has been very taxing and discouraging for him in this already tough time.  The chemo is making progress on the Lymphoma and if all goes well after the 6th round in August, he will be heading to Mayo Clinic – Rochester for a Bone Marrow Transplant in October.  Because the risk of infection following that transplant is so great, we will be required to stay in Rochester in a long-term stay hotel for 3-5 weeks and during that time he will need around the clock care. 

As his caregiver and spouse, I am so sad to watch him suffer from this awful disease and the challenge this cancer has brought to our lives has been dramatic.   Our family, friends and co-workers have been so supportive of us as Bear and I has been navigating his pain, exhaustion and nausea, medication, doctor’s appointments all attempting to keep up with work, the dogs and our home.  We have been humbled by your prayers, how loved we feel, and we are so appreciative of your help.  As our large deductible is coming due, traveling expenses are adding up and anticipating the cost of our stay in Rochester for several weeks – we need to reach out to you and our greater network to ask for help with the expenses involved in the Transplant.  If you feel you can give financially to help support us during this transplant process, we would be so grateful.