Help Chris through cancer
Donation protected
For those of you not aware, at 29 years old I have recently been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in my bone marrow called hepatic-splenic t-cell lymphoma alpha-beta.
Last Christmas I went to the doctor with a simple infection, from which the typical blood work was done. The next day I got a frantic call from my doctor telling me I needed more blood work taken as my white cell count was non-existent. We investigated every infection and sickness out there from autoimmune to malaria, all while my doctor was advising me to stay away from crowds and sick people. If I got a simple cold or fever it could be life threatening and immediate hospitalization would ensue. Fast forward a month after many tests, blood work, and a bone marrow biopsy, I was diagnosed with lymphoma.
The prognosis was grim. I walked out of the doctor’s office after being told, if left untreated I had 6-12 months to live, and with treatment I had a 50/50 chance of success. But I’m still here and battling against the odds.
This lymphoma is aggressive and a rare form of cancer. The research into treatment is sparse and the therapy needed to combat it is extensive.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatosplenic_T-cell_lymphoma
As I started a new job just prior to being diagnosed, my employer’s insurance company has denied my long term disability claim and I am struggling to make ends meet. It has taken a toll on everyone around me and I can't imagine how hard it must be to watch a son or daughter go through something like this. But my family has been great and rallied to support me being there for appointments and ensuring I'm getting the best care available.
Due to the extensive chemotherapy I have been undergoing, and upcoming bone marrow transplant, the expected recovery time is at least a year starting with 4-6 weeks spent in hospital. Followed by 4 months to a year battling any complications. I have a 1/3 chance of getting severe graft vs host disease, which is a life threatening condition where my body rejects the new bone marrow.
My spirits are high even after undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, dealing with sleepless nights, a back flipping stomach, and bones that felt like they were on fire. I'm working to get through each day bit by bit, staying positive.
I would like to raise some funds to help out with my medical and living expenses while I’m unable to work.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/more-types-of-nhl/hepatosplenic-t-cell-lymphoma/?region=nl
I will have to be honest, this is a strange and unfamiliar territory for me to ask for help. I have always prided myself on being self-reliant in life. However, there comes a time in life when it is beyond our control, so with great humility and gratitude I am asking for your help.
Anything is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please share
Last Christmas I went to the doctor with a simple infection, from which the typical blood work was done. The next day I got a frantic call from my doctor telling me I needed more blood work taken as my white cell count was non-existent. We investigated every infection and sickness out there from autoimmune to malaria, all while my doctor was advising me to stay away from crowds and sick people. If I got a simple cold or fever it could be life threatening and immediate hospitalization would ensue. Fast forward a month after many tests, blood work, and a bone marrow biopsy, I was diagnosed with lymphoma.
The prognosis was grim. I walked out of the doctor’s office after being told, if left untreated I had 6-12 months to live, and with treatment I had a 50/50 chance of success. But I’m still here and battling against the odds.
This lymphoma is aggressive and a rare form of cancer. The research into treatment is sparse and the therapy needed to combat it is extensive.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatosplenic_T-cell_lymphoma
As I started a new job just prior to being diagnosed, my employer’s insurance company has denied my long term disability claim and I am struggling to make ends meet. It has taken a toll on everyone around me and I can't imagine how hard it must be to watch a son or daughter go through something like this. But my family has been great and rallied to support me being there for appointments and ensuring I'm getting the best care available.
Due to the extensive chemotherapy I have been undergoing, and upcoming bone marrow transplant, the expected recovery time is at least a year starting with 4-6 weeks spent in hospital. Followed by 4 months to a year battling any complications. I have a 1/3 chance of getting severe graft vs host disease, which is a life threatening condition where my body rejects the new bone marrow.
My spirits are high even after undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, dealing with sleepless nights, a back flipping stomach, and bones that felt like they were on fire. I'm working to get through each day bit by bit, staying positive.
I would like to raise some funds to help out with my medical and living expenses while I’m unable to work.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/more-types-of-nhl/hepatosplenic-t-cell-lymphoma/?region=nl
I will have to be honest, this is a strange and unfamiliar territory for me to ask for help. I have always prided myself on being self-reliant in life. However, there comes a time in life when it is beyond our control, so with great humility and gratitude I am asking for your help.
Anything is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please share
Organizer
Chris Fetherston
Organizer
Calgary, AB