You never realize how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have. Every day, I am in awe of my husband Charlie and his battle with leukemia. He is such a fighter, truly an inspiration in every sense of the word. I continue to be strong because of him. One day at a time. This is our story...

 Five years ago, at 28, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and spent multiple weeks in the hospital over the following months.  After multiple rounds of chemo, radiation and a bone marrow transplant from his sister Meg, he achieved remission in 2013.  

 We got engaged that fall, and after 8 years together, were married last October.  We were ecstatic to finally purchase our first home in January of this year- a peaceful, wooded sanctuary to call our own!

 Unfortunately, Charlie had a relapse this August that started with frequent headaches- he was diagnosed with leukemic meningitis. After being in & out of the hospital for shunt placement, an infection, and countless tests and lumbar punctures, he continues to receive weekly chemo for this. We would make the weekly 90-mile drive from New Hampshire to Tufts Medical Center in Boston.  But, his pain continued to be unmanaged at home and we knew something wasn't right.

 On October 18, he was re-admitted to Tufts and they found a mass of leukemia in his stomach.  He's completed another round of intense chemo for this, and we are anxiously awaiting the day his blood counts recover so he can come home.  I spend the weekends at Tufts with him, and return to New Hampshire to work during the week.

 We know this is just another leg of the journey ahead of us.  He will have to be admitted for another round of chemo after this, and also continue the weekly outpatient chemo for leukemic meningitis.  He continues to be positive, and as he told me - "We can get through anything together."  He's beat it before and can do it again! He is one of the friendliest, most unselfish people I know, and I am so proud to be by his side throughout all this. As many of you know, we are not ones to ask for help (which may drive some family and friends crazy :) ) - anything you are willing to donate to help with expenses of owning our first home, travel, etc. is so deeply appreciated!

 With utmost gratitude,
Jennifer & Charlie Rose and family