Casey's Fight vs. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Give 'Em Heck!
Donation protected
On Sunday, June 9th, 2024, my big brother Casey went to the ER after noticing unusual bruising and other symptoms that had popped up overnight. Within 24 hours, Casey was transferred to a specialist hospital over an hour away for treatment for suspected (and now confirmed) acute myeloid leukemia.
To quote King Théoden, "How did it come to this?"
To say that this has been a shocking rollercoaster of negative emotions would be a massive understatement. Anyone who knows Casey knows that he was the picture of health before this -- he had been playing hockey just a few days before all of this went down. Now, Casey is in the leukemia ward at the hospital for at least a month where he will receive chemotherapy and then rehab once he is in remission. We have also already experienced the unpredictable ups and downs that come with diagnoses like these, which unfortunately we were all too familiar with coming into this. Two days after being admitted, Casey developed neurological issues related to complications from the leukemia which have resulted in him not being able to speak (aphasia) and being unable to move his right side. While we hope these symptoms will be resolved, it is too early to know for sure.
In the coming days, weeks, months, and likely years, Casey is going to need our support to get through this. Casey is someone who is always on the move, working with his hands, playing ALL the sports, and socializing like social butterfly he is. This illness is going to test Casey's resolve and his spirit, but he is a fighter.
Why are we raising money: We (Casey's family) want Casey to focus on getting well and not have to worry about his financial situation. It is likely that he will be out of work for an extended period of time, and his insurance will not be able to cover everything he'll need in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Where is the money going: Any funds that are donated will be deposited into my dad's account as he will be managing Casey's finances for the foreseeable future. My dad is an accountant, and so he will be able to take on this challenge and keep track of the expenses. Every dollar raised will go towards Casey's expenses related to his care, including
- Any medical costs, such as copays and prescriptions, that aren't 100% covered by insurance.
- Casey's bills (mortgage, utilities, etc.).
- Non-medical expenses for Casey and his immediate family caregivers (e.g., gas to get to and from the hospital, lodging if overnight stays are needed, items for Casey to use while in the hospital).
- Given his speech difficulties, we may also need to purchase alternative communication tools that Casey can use while he recovers.
- Other unforeseen expenses that are likely to come up.
We know that this is a marathon -- not a sprint. Your support means the world to us and, most importantly, to Casey. Please share this widely -- everyone who knows Casey knows that he is full of life and love. Let's get him home and well.
#FightLikeHeck
#GiveEmHeck
Much thanks and love to you all,
Alison (sister), Daniel (brother), and John (Casey's Dad).
Organizer
Alison Heck
Organizer
Newport News, VA