We're with you, Toni!

On August 29th, we received the difficult news that our mom, Toni Holmes Ray, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. An aggressive but still treatable cancer that forms in the blood cells of bone marrow. Adding a layer of complexity (because Mom is never a dull person in anything she does) she is simultaneously battling Bronchitis and Cystic Fibrosis.

This makes treating her Leukemia ever more challenging and takes standard chemotherapy off the table of options. It's been an exhausting last few weeks for our Mom (and Dad) as she has been admitted to three different hospitals since August 16th. Dad, at her side through it all. 

We've been absolutely blessed that she was accepted as a patient to an incredible facility with a talented and caring faculty at Clements University Hospital, in Dallas. She was selected for a trial for a treatment that holds real hope and promise. She needs to take the treatment every day for one year. Because her condition remains delicate, her doctors have advised her to stay in close proximity to her hospital for at least one month, perhaps more, after starting this treatment.

She and my father live two-and-a-half hours away, which presents a problem. 

If she starts running any kind of fever they will immediately need to rush to the ER. It is time sensitive to determine if any fever is induced by the Leukemia or if it is in response to an actual infection. If it is an infection she urgently needs to get to the Clements ER or the situation could deteriorate, rapidly. 

Some headline costs we are facing: 

*Rent in a secure, carpet-free apartment in Dallas to stay near the hospital: $2200 + (for a month, potentially longer)
*Medical bills and treatment (it could be up to $2600/mo just for two types of medications)

Many of our friends and family have graciously asked how they can help, so we decided to establish this fund to offer a way for people who care and want to fight alongside her a means to provide support for her recovery. We finally ask you to please keep sending her your positive energy and keep her in your prayers.

Sincerely, her loving children, 

Hosanna, Maranatha, & Josh