Support Willie Branson: Fighting Fire to Fighting Cancer

In the beginning of March 2024, Willie had a mild sore throat and was feeling a little more run down than usual. At that time he decided to establish care and had some basic lab work done. The doctors found that he had abnormally low blood counts. He continued to feel run down and had more tests, and there was a concern for there being something wrong with his bone marrow.

Early April, Willie was sent to the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN from Fairbanks, AK. After multiple tests and many unknowns, and many days of waiting it was determined that Willie does have a form of blood cancer, all stemming from his bone marrow not working correctly.

GaBriella and Celestina have been able to join Willie during this time of uncertainty.

On April 9, after much anticipation and waiting Willie and GaBriella were told that he has Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of disorders caused by a problem in the bone marrow. Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow which can lead to issues with the production of blood cells.

There are still many unknowns, however he is in the very best of hands. The Mayo Clinic is known for being one of the best places for cancer treatment in the country, maybe even the planet.

Willie started chemotherapy on April 10, and will likely be in the hospital for 2-4 weeks for this first round of chemotherapy.

Willie has built his A-Team Chemo Support Group - Evan Adsit, Kato Howard, and Karen Scholl - to help him walk through this. Some of the best advice we have received from them include keep a positive attitude, don’t go Googling statistics, and write your own story. You are one of one.

Currently, the plan is for him to be in Rochester, MN for the next year. Throughout all of this GaBriella and Celestina plan on remaining in the area to support Willie during this time. There are many unexpected expenses as they move forward. Any contributions will help.

Willie continues to be in good spirits and his contagious sense of humor continues to shine through.

We all want to know how we can help. The best way to help is by contributing and to continue showing your support by keeping in touch, including sharing silly jokes, and sharing all of your support. Willie says thank you to everyone who has already reached out. Your contact means more than you know.