Matthew's Leukemia Treatment
Donation protected
My brother, Matthew is 24 years old and is fighting a battle with a fast-growing cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
On December 4th, Matthew went into the hospital with symptoms of COVID-19 and Pneumonia. We were all not prepared to find out that the symptoms he was having were from AML.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made), and quickly moves into the blood. It affects the making of good White Blood Cells (WBC’s) that are made to fight infections and with AML the WBC’s that are made are immature cells that serve no purpose for infections. Matthew’s WBC’s reach a high level. He has received his first round of chemotherapy and may require additional chemotherapy, along with the possibility of bone marrow transplant.
MATTHEW'S STORY:
Matthew was supposed to marry the love of his life, Alexandra (Alex), on December 19th. Due to this unforeseen medical news, they married at Siteman Cancer Center on December 9th.
Matthew and Alex met through some close friends at their church, Revolution Campus Ministry in 2019. The first time they ever interacted, Matthew brought her favorite coffee order, told her that he thought she was beautiful and asked her on a date. They both hit it off pretty quickly and have been inseparable since. Matthew and Alex were supposed to start their new life together: getting married, enjoying their honeymoon, and moving into their new apartment. Instead, Alex will be staying with Matthew at the hospital while he undergoes treatment, because due to Covid-19 restrictive hospital protocols, he is only allowed one designated caregiver during his entire treatment process. Matthew lost his job due to the lengthy treatment regimen and Alex has taken a Leave of Absence from her job to care for Matthew. They will have no income over the next several months. Even though, they have a little money saved, that will go fast for any medical expenses, rent, bills, and any other unforeseen future expenses.
MATTHEW'S TREATMENT:
Matthew has a long road ahead for treatments, which will be intensive chemotherapy treatments over the course of several months that will require him lengthy hospital stays. When he does get to come home, he will be weak and his immune system will be susceptible and vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, or anything that may threaten his health. He will be unable to gain employment for quite some time and Alex may have to take some more time off from her employment under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which she will not get paid for.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
We are hoping to help alleviate some of the burden of Matthew's medical bills, along with any other expenses on the newly married couple and give them both ease of mind when it comes to their finances right now and focus all their efforts on Matthew’s health and the couple’s future. We are asking for donations for them in their time of need, so, no matter how small or large, any donation amount would be appreciative and ask that we all pray for a good recovery for my brother, Matthew. If you are unable to make a donation, I want to thank you for taking your time by reading his story and still say a prayer for him for a healthy recovery.
On December 4th, Matthew went into the hospital with symptoms of COVID-19 and Pneumonia. We were all not prepared to find out that the symptoms he was having were from AML.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made), and quickly moves into the blood. It affects the making of good White Blood Cells (WBC’s) that are made to fight infections and with AML the WBC’s that are made are immature cells that serve no purpose for infections. Matthew’s WBC’s reach a high level. He has received his first round of chemotherapy and may require additional chemotherapy, along with the possibility of bone marrow transplant.
MATTHEW'S STORY:
Matthew was supposed to marry the love of his life, Alexandra (Alex), on December 19th. Due to this unforeseen medical news, they married at Siteman Cancer Center on December 9th.
Matthew and Alex met through some close friends at their church, Revolution Campus Ministry in 2019. The first time they ever interacted, Matthew brought her favorite coffee order, told her that he thought she was beautiful and asked her on a date. They both hit it off pretty quickly and have been inseparable since. Matthew and Alex were supposed to start their new life together: getting married, enjoying their honeymoon, and moving into their new apartment. Instead, Alex will be staying with Matthew at the hospital while he undergoes treatment, because due to Covid-19 restrictive hospital protocols, he is only allowed one designated caregiver during his entire treatment process. Matthew lost his job due to the lengthy treatment regimen and Alex has taken a Leave of Absence from her job to care for Matthew. They will have no income over the next several months. Even though, they have a little money saved, that will go fast for any medical expenses, rent, bills, and any other unforeseen future expenses.
MATTHEW'S TREATMENT:
Matthew has a long road ahead for treatments, which will be intensive chemotherapy treatments over the course of several months that will require him lengthy hospital stays. When he does get to come home, he will be weak and his immune system will be susceptible and vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, or anything that may threaten his health. He will be unable to gain employment for quite some time and Alex may have to take some more time off from her employment under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which she will not get paid for.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
We are hoping to help alleviate some of the burden of Matthew's medical bills, along with any other expenses on the newly married couple and give them both ease of mind when it comes to their finances right now and focus all their efforts on Matthew’s health and the couple’s future. We are asking for donations for them in their time of need, so, no matter how small or large, any donation amount would be appreciative and ask that we all pray for a good recovery for my brother, Matthew. If you are unable to make a donation, I want to thank you for taking your time by reading his story and still say a prayer for him for a healthy recovery.
Organizer and beneficiary
Megan Hines
Organizer
Wentzville, MO
Alexandra Hines
Beneficiary