Family and Friends,

I created this GoFundMe on behalf of my amazing husband Seth. As many of you don’t know (because I am a rather private person and Seth even more so), Seth was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma in September 2018. The diagnosis process was a result of 4+ years of many tests and many, many doctor visits. Most of the doctors he encountered dismissed the idea that Seth’s symptoms were due to cancer, and he even had a biopsy in 2014 that was negative for lymphoma. However, the symptoms persisted and so did he. Thanks in very large part to Seth’s amazing primary care physician, a second biopsy in 2018 finally found the cancer.

Since 2018, Seth has undergone several different treatments, but the cancer has come back each time and last year transformed into Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a much more aggressive cancer. He completed his most recent round of chemotherapy in September, and the post-treatment scans were promising. However, his secondary oncologist in Arizona ordered a second, more comprehensive scan, to confirm he was in remission. The results were devastating. His cancer had once again returned. After discussing the results and options with his Arizona oncologist, he recommended we immediately pursue a potentially life-saving treatment called Car-T cell therapy.

Unfortunately, there are no hospitals in Montana that provide this treatment. Because we were already working with a doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ, we decided the best course of action would be to travel there for treatment. This treatment regimen is much more extensive than anything Seth has endured previously. In addition to several weeks of tests, preparation and radiation pre-treatment, the treatment itself will require Seth and me to stay in Phoenix for at least two months. The risks of post-treatment reactions and complications are very high, so we must remain in the area and close to the hospital until those risks subside.

Spending this long far from home is a necessary part of giving Seth the best chance at survival, but it comes with many challenges. Seth will be unable to work for a large portion of this time, and because previous appointments and hospital stays have exhausted his paid time off, he will not be receiving a paycheck for the majority of his time in Phoenix. I, too, have used up many sick days accompanying Seth to appointments and engaging in other caregiving responsibilities, so I will experience a reduction in pay for some of this time as well.

Seth has health insurance, but we are still unsure if every bill will be covered, not to mention his deductible and max out-of-pocket will start over in January. Additionally, the cost of traveling to and living in Phoenix (even short-term) has increased drastically in the last few years. Donating to this GoFundMe would assist with travel, long-term lodging, lost wages, and so many as-yet-unknown expenses.

Seth could use all the kind thoughts and words he can get. He’s not done fighting, but he has a very difficult road ahead. Every step forward and every goal achieved in the last few years has been met with devastating setbacks. I am hopeful this campaign can help hope again gain the upper hand.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Seth, a man who I am endlessly honored to share my life with. Any contribution to this campaign would be forever appreciated by Seth, myself and our families. Additionally, we could use any and all help sharing Seth’s story with anyone who might be in a position to help.