Sal Vella's Cancer Treatment

Life throws us extreme challenges at times.  We are constantly reminded to cherish each moment in life and to practice the art of giving and receiving.  Our amazing and selfless father's life was quickly altered when we were given the news that no one is ever really prepared to receive.  He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (definition from American Cancer Society:  “Acute” means that this leukemia can progress quickly if not treated, and would probably be fatal in a few months. “Myeloid” refers to the type of cell this leukemia starts from.  Most cases of AML develop from cells that would turn into white blood cells, but some cases of AML develop in other types of blood-forming cells.  AML starts in the bone marrow, but in most cases it quickly moves into the blood).  None of us had time to digest this, as he immediately started his first round of chemo the day after receiving this devastating diagnosis.  Our father is the strongest guy we know and has made incredible strides during his recovery.  As we all know, the mind is a powerful tool and having a positive outlook is a tremendous component to the healing process.  The last thing we want our father to worry about is being able to afford treatment expenses.  After receiving his third round of chemo and spending two weeks in ICU secondary to acquiring pneumonia, our father began to feel overwhelmed with some medical bills that have piled up.  We have been by his side every step during this journey and want to help in every possible way.  We are reaching out to any and all who can offer a helping hand.  He is a humble and proud man who worked hard all of his life and never asked for anything.  Our father has so much love and support from his children, family, and friends, and we want to continue to fill each day with love and positivity.  We are happy that our father has maintained his amazing sense of humor.  He spreads so much joy to those around him.  Anyone who knows him, can only imagine how he makes the other patients on his floor, doctors, and nurses, as well as those who visit him laugh even when we all know he's terrified inside.  For all who are lucky enough to know and love him- remember he is always striving for that "Good Livin'!"  We are determined to conquer this together and we will be forever grateful for those who can and will join us in this ultimate battle to conquer our father’s cancer.

With love and gratitude,
Shanna, Brittany, and Alexa