Help Eric In The Fight For His Life
Son, brother, father, uncle, soon to be great-uncle, friend… fun, positive, upbeat, gregarious, loving, supportive, friendly, funny, loyal…a smile that elicits a smile and a laugh that is contagious. These are all ways in which we describe Eric. He is a son to be proud of, a brother you can always depend on, a fun and goofy uncle and a faithful friend. He is THE most amazing Dad to Jordan, age 17, who lives with his Mom and Tyler, age 14, who lives with Eric.
In January, 2017 our family received the news that no family wants to ever hear. Eric was diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. He had been having arm and shoulder pain for some months but attributed it to overuse and weight lifting. When it didn’t get better he went to the doctor and an x-ray showed he had cancer in the bone. Further testing revealed the cancer originated in his left kidney and that it had spread to his lung, a lymph node and suspicious spots on his hip and pelvis.
At first, there was shock, fear, disbelief and sadness. Many thoughts swirled through our heads. Eric is only 47 and is in the prime of his life. He is too healthy and active to have cancer. Just this past August he completed his first Hood to Coast Race (with only 2 weeks to train).
As with any cancer diagnosis, there are always more questions than answers especially in those first days and weeks. True to Eric’s character and personality, he set the tone for all of us. There was no room for doubt or negativity. It was time to do what “Leis Boys” do – FIGHT and remain strong and positive.
Over the past several weeks there have been many appointments with Oncology specialists and getting second opinions. Eric immediately had surgery to have a metal rod placed in his arm and shoulder to prevent the cancer from breaking the bone and hopefully alleviate his arm and shoulder pain. He will need radiation to the area in a couple of weeks. Next, he will have surgery to remove his kidney. Hopefully in 3 to 4 weeks Eric will be able to start a very challenging, expensive and rigorous treatment called Interleukin 2 (IL2) Immunotherapy (Chemo does not work on kidney cancer). IL2 therapy is often not an option for those with this diagnosis. Luckily, because Eric is so healthy (other than the damn cancer), he is one of the few who qualify to receive it. This therapy is only offered in a handful of States across the Country and Portland is one of them. Two huge blessings. Eric has also made the decision to participate in a current research study through OHSU. It includes two groups – one receives the IL2 therapy and one receives IL2 and radiation to the cancer on his lung.
Like any family who faces this kind of diagnosis, we struggle to make sense of it and desperately want to fix it. We promised Eric to pull up our boot straps, grab our Leis armor and stand beside him, supporting him with our love, strength, prayers and positive thoughts. We know this marathon is going to be very difficult; emotionally, physically and financially. It will involve multiple hospitalizations, surgeries, radiation treatments and expensive medications. There is so much that we have no control over. We decided the ONE thing we COULD do is reach out to our family, friends and community to hopefully relieve the financial stress and worry that this diagnosis brings. Our hope is that Eric can then focus solely on fighting this cancer and spending time with his sons.
All proceeds collected will go to help Eric with medical and living expenses while going through treatment.
The Leis & Brady families thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
~ Len, Linda, Shell, Bob, Matt, Kerry, Jurrae, Carina, JT, Courtney, Molly, Josh, Jordan, Tyler, Jaden, Jaeyln and Leis baby boy and Leis baby girl (to be born in May and June)~
