Our dear friend and family member, Justin, was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - an aggressive form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. AML develops quickly and requires intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and stem cell therapy, often involving long hospital stays and significant recovery time.

For about a month, Justin hadn’t been feeling well. He was running fevers, had a low appetite, low energy, night sweats, and just felt “off.” After seeing no improvement from antibiotics, he had blood work done to dig deeper into what was going on. When the results came back, his doctor urgently instructed him to get to the emergency room.

There, Justin learned that his red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets were all critically low. That same night, he was transferred to the University of Chicago Medicine, where, within just a few days, his incredible team of doctors diagnosed him with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

The initial treatment for AML is called “7+3,” which involves seven days of continuous chemotherapy, followed by about three weeks in the hospital for recovery. During this time, Justin receives blood transfusions and platelet infusions to help support his body. Once his healthy cells begin to regrow, he will undergo a stem cell transplant — the treatment that will ultimately save his life.

As Justin begins this difficult journey, we are raising funds to help cover medical expenses, travel and lodging for treatments, and other costs that come with fighting a serious illness. Your support will help ease the financial burden so Justin and his loved ones can focus on what truly matters — his health and healing.

We want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with messages, prayers, and words of encouragement. Your kindness and support mean more than we can ever express. Please continue to keep Justin in your thoughts and prayers as he fights through this next chapter — every bit of positive energy helps lift his spirits and gives him strength for the road ahead. If you feel inclined to share this with others, please do. Every share helps more than you know.