Don't let them bleed Lee dry!

Lee has had a blood disease for 20 years. Her bone marrow has been overproducing blood cells for at least that long. And now it's done. It's tired.

I know, I know...   We're all tired. But Lee's bone marrow is so tired that it's shutting down. 

63. Old enough to retire. But retirement isn't supposed to be about fighting for your life. 

So Lee's having a bone marrow transplant. I don't know about you, but before this I had no idea what a big deal that was. Weeks of chemotherapy, followed by months of daily visits, tests and exhaustion. Lee is required to live within 20 minutes of the hospital for four months, which means paying rent in the heart of Seattle. And she is required to have a live-in caregiver with her for the required four months after the procedure. 

The whole process was originally scheduled to get underway on April 1st this year, but then the whole world got shut down, including Lee's scheduled treatment.  Originally, the plan was to have friends take turns staying with Lee. But since the world has necessarily become Covid-cautious, it's been determined that it will be safer for Lee to have a paid caregiver to reduce the number of people she comes in contact with during the four month mandatory sentence. And paying for it is the part that's still "out there"...

There is much good news: a donor has been located, Lee is surrounded by friends who care about her and want to help, and the hospital and Lee's doctors are now saying it's safer to start planning again, so Lee will begin the treatment process on July 14th. The actual procedure is covered by insurance, and a very generous donor has stepped forward to pay for her rent.  

We are looking to cover the cost of Lee's caregiver and daily expenses. 

If you have an extra $10 or if you can stretch to a generous $100 gift (hint: still looking for a place to donate your stimulus check?) it will all add up; I know it will. The sooner the better, so we know it's covered. The caregiver will be required starting in August. 

And whether or not you can help, please pass this on to anyone you think might be able to. Let's make this possible for Lee! 

Thanks,
Team First!

P.S. Now you can follow Lee's progress on her CaringBridge site !