Kyle Hove

Update from Beth — September 15–20 ❤️ Thank you for continuing to walk with Steve and Beth. Tuesday, September 15 The day did not go as planned. Steve noticed his chemo bag felt heavier than it should. The pump was running and showing normal settings, but none of the chemo had actually infused — the cartridge on the tubing wasn’t attached quite right, and the pump never gave an error. They went in right away. Nurses also noticed his PICC line had moved 5 cm from where it was placed May 30. A chest X-ray showed it was still (just barely) in a safe place. A port is already planned for the end of this cycle so they won’t have to worry about the PICC anymore. They ordered a new bag and pump so he could still get the missed chemo. His hematocrit was right on the border for a transfusion. The team said this would not disrupt the rest of Cycle 5. Wednesday–Thursday, September 16–17 Steve received the last infusion of this cycle. Counts were decent enough that he didn’t need a transfusion that day. The next day was long (6:20 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.). The lumbar puncture went smoothly — only one more after this. Hematocrit was low, so he did get a transfusion after his shots and started growth factor shots again. The port insertion is scheduled for October 1 at UW Medical Center as an outpatient procedure, between Cycles 5 and 6. Friday–Saturday, September 18–19 They finally had a day at home. Steve had a bit more energy; fluid is starting to go down. He still had some headache and back soreness from the LP. Labs later showed counts coming up, so he gets a couple of days off growth factor shots — which should help avoid the bone pain that usually hits after the third shot. Friends sent him fun compression socks. Beth also gave thanks for friends in Cove taking care of the kids in big and small ways. Sunday, September 20 Steve’s energy was pretty low, but he made breakfast and said his sense of taste is getting better. Tim arrived safely from Cove with garden goodies — corn, tomatoes, garlic, onions, green onions, and artichokes. Tim will stay with Steve for a few days while Beth makes a quick trip home for appointments (and to meet Linkin Bark). Giving thanks for PICC line still in a safe place, smooth LP, port scheduled with good timing, a day at home, Tim’s safe arrival, garden bounty, and Becca’s athletic scholarships at U of I. Praying for Good rest, fluid and soreness to ease, safe travel for Beth, and a good visit for Tim and Steve. Please keep this family in your prayers as Cycle 5 wraps up and they prepare for the port and the next stretch of treatment. Your support continues to mean so much. With gratitude, Kyle and Angela Hove For the Koza Family

Update from Beth — September 10–14 ❤️ Thank you for continuing to stand with Steve and Beth. Thursday, September 10 Steve felt good, so they walked part of Marymoor Park in Redmond — woods, Lake Sammamish, the off-leash dog area along the river, and a community garden packed with flowers and vegetables. Afterward they used a saved gift card for ice cream outside. The next day they had an early 7 a.m. clinic day: oncologist visit, lumbar puncture, and the start of Cycle 5. Friday, September 11 — major good news It was a long day (6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). The lumbar puncture went smoothly, with no headache or back soreness. They met with Dr. Cassaday and received wonderful news: the bone marrow biopsy showed NO leukemia cells. None of the lumbar punctures have shown cancer in the spinal fluid except the very first one on Day 1 of Cycle 1. Treatment has continued to be effective and will stay basically the same for the next two cycles. The doctor also discussed a possible different drug option for Cycles 7 and 8 that might have more benefit, but with a risk of increased neuropathy and other neurological damage. They will look into that more in the coming weeks. His focus is using the best options to eradicate the ALL so it does not come back. Steve started the Cycle 5 infusion. His cell counts were lower on Day 1 than in earlier cycles. The team was not concerned and attributed it to the cumulative effect of treatment. They expect that to continue. Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13 Bobby and a friend stopped by for a visit. Steve grilled pork chops. Tim has been handling things at home, including working through a water-heater issue (the plumber is on it; they have another shower option for now). Teresa came for dinner, and they had their family call. Steve has the usual prednisone swelling; compression socks are helping his ankles and feet. Monday, September 14 — more good news They received significant financial assistance from University of Washington Medical Center, covering the two-week hospital stay in June and many appointments since then. Many Hutch providers are UW employees, so UW bills have continued. Even more amazing: they will not get another UW bill for the rest of treatment — it will all be covered by the assistance. Steve felt decent. The bag swap was short. Along with swelling, he is starting to feel like his red cells are low; they will have labs Tuesday and may need a transfusion. Giving thanks for No cancer in the biopsy, walks and ice cream, seeing Bobby, Tim caring for home, rain here and at home, and the UW financial assistance. Praying for Wisdom on later treatment options, limited prednisone swelling, effectiveness of Cycle 5 chemo, and good lab results. Please keep holding this family in your prayers. Your gifts, shares, and encouragement continue to make a real difference. With gratitude, Kyle and Angela Hove For the Koza Family

Update from Beth — September 4–7 ❤️ Thank you for continuing to walk with Steve and Beth. Your support still means so much. Friday, September 4 The weather was really nice — around 70 and mostly sunny. They made a “field trip” to Home Depot for a dryer part. There’s a blockage in the vent system that Bobby is working on with the HOA, but in the meantime they got a temporary fix and Steve was able to hook it up. Beth did the weekly cleaning since Sarah was coming, and they made salsa meatloaf with potatoes and green beans — a comforting meal. Beth gave thanks for Sarah arriving safely, Steve feeling well enough to fix the dryer vent, and a few unexpected GoFundMe donations. They were praying for Becca to get over her cold. Sunday, September 6 They had perfect fall weather and walked the trails at Juanita Bay Park over the wetlands — turtles, waterfowl, and sunshine. On the way home they got their first pumpkin cream cold brew of the season, thanks to friends who sent Steve Starbucks gift cards. They watched Homestead church, then Steve watched the Apple Cup while Sarah gave Beth a massage on her new table. Teresa came for dinner, and they had their usual family call. The kids are doing well; Becca said she had turned the corner on her cold. Bobby and Leslie stopped by the house in Cove and reported that all is well at home. Steve has had some nausea at the end of the last couple of cycles. It’s mostly been manageable without medication, though he has meds when he needs them. The temporary dryer fix is working well. Monday, September 7 Steve was still struggling with nausea in the morning, but felt better after eating and it was pretty much resolved by afternoon. Tomorrow he has a bone marrow biopsy around 2 p.m. and cannot eat until after the procedure. Please pray that he will not have severe nausea. They went to the fruit market for the week’s produce, including butternut squash — which felt strange, since they normally grow a ton of winter squash in Cove and the deer wiped it out this year. Sarah made it safely back to Bend, and Amelia was glad to get back in the pool as swim club started up again at home. Giving thanks for Safe travel for Sarah, sunshine and family, and a skilled massage therapist in the family. Praying for Reduced nausea tomorrow and a smooth bone marrow biopsy. Please keep holding Steve and Beth in your prayers this week, especially around the biopsy. Every gift, share, and prayer continues to carry them. With gratitude, Kyle and Angela Hove For the Koza Family

Update: $19,970 Raised — Walking Through Cycle 4 Together ❤️ Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for continuing to stand with Steve and Beth. The fundraiser has now reached $19,970, and every gift has brought real comfort and practical help during this long season. Here’s a summary of the latest updates from Beth (August 11–20): Steve finished Cycle 3 and has now begun Cycle 4. The cumulative effects of treatment are becoming more noticeable — more fatigue, and some difficult nights with bone pain from the growth factor shots. Still, there have been encouraging moments: a smooth lumbar puncture, improving energy on some days, and the ability to keep doing treatment as an outpatient. At the same time, life keeps moving forward for the rest of the family. Amelia earned her driver’s permit. Becca received a special award for her years of swimming and service, and then successfully moved into her dorm at the University of Idaho. Beth was able to be there for that important day because Bob came up to stay with Steve. The kids gathered at home for a weekend together, including their annual homeschool prom. Tim continues faithfully caring for the property and animals in Cove. There have also been small, precious moments of normalcy — short walks on wooded trails, good sandwiches made with heirloom tomatoes, a visit to the old Snoqualmie train depot, and cooler days that let them open the windows. Beth keeps giving thanks for family stepping in, for rest when it comes, and for the kindness of so many people. They are praying for better rest, stronger blood counts, safe travels, and peace for Becca as she begins this new chapter. Please continue to hold Steve, Beth, and the whole Koza family in your prayers. Your support — through donations, shares, and prayers — is truly carrying them. With deep gratitude, Kyle and Angela Hove For the Koza Family

Our dear friend and community pillar, Steve Koza, was diagnosed with acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia on May 27, 2026. For about six weeks prior, he experienced unusual symptoms, and doctors believe the aggressive cancer had likely been present for only a month or two. This rare form of leukemia is far more common in children than adults, making Steve’s battle especially challenging. Steve was initially diagnosed at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, but Boise lacked the specialized resources needed. After careful consideration, the family chose the world-renowned University of Washington Medical Center and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle — the Hutch has been at the forefront of leukemia treatment for decades. On May 29, Steve was Life Flighted to UW Medical Center. Since then, he has undergone intensive inpatient treatment at UW and outpatient care at the Hutch. His protocol involves eight 3-week cycles of chemotherapy, with five days of focused treatment followed by lab work, tests, additional treatment, and monitoring every other day. Due to the high risks of infection, bleeding, and complications, Steve cannot leave the Seattle area for the duration of treatment. Their home in Cove, Oregon, is over five hours away — simply too far for emergencies. Steve, a dedicated dentist and owner of Koza Family Dental Care, will be unable to work until he achieves remission and can safely return home. Thankfully, an incredible team of local dentists has volunteered to keep the practice running, ensuring staff are paid and patients are cared for. Beth continues her office work remotely, but the family has no personal income during this time. The Koza family is facing this with remarkable resilience and faith. Their son Tim has moved home to care for Amelia and their property in Cove while working part-time. Sarah is thriving independently in Bend with a full-time job, and Becca will head to the University of Idaho in August. Steve and Beth are staying in her brother’s condo in Kirkland, WA. As members of Samaritan Ministries, their major medical costs are shared — but everyday living expenses remain a heavy burden. We are raising funds to help cover groceries, gasoline, car/home/life insurances, utilities, and other household necessities for the next 6+ months. Any amount makes a real difference and allows this strong family to focus entirely on Steve’s fight and healing. Steve has touched so many lives through his work, kindness, and community spirit. Please join us in supporting the Kozas during this difficult season. Your prayers, shares, and donations are deeply appreciated. Updates will be posted regularly. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with the Koza family. Kyle and Angela Hove (neighbors and good friends) For the Koza Family