Help Kaine Overcome His Battle with Cancer

Hello there everyone,

I have typed this out nearly 1,000 times. I am promising myself that this will be the final draft. You see, it's not easy to find the words to describe your older brother’s cancer diagnosis, or to describe to people on the internet that very well may not know Kaine why he deserves and needs you to care, but I am going to give it my very best try, so bare with me.

Kaine Alec Seitz is a 34-year-old dad, older brother, son, grandson, and friend. Anyone that knows Kaine knows that he is quick-witted. To some this seems to be a character trait that keeps conversation fun, but to those that know Kaine personally know that Kaine is incredibly observant and uses his humor to make others feel comfort and to feel seen. Kaine grew up being the eldest amongst three children, and he displayed a great deal of strength and was always a protector to myself and my younger brother, Usman. These traits never dwindled and were amplified once his daughter, Isla, entered the world. Isla is undoubtedly Kaine’s entire world, and as any father would, Kaine always aims to be the embodiment of strength and an example of independence for his daughter.

On 6/5/2024 Kaine went to the ER in Terre Haute, IN to be seen due to feeling very fatigued and ill from a “bug” he assumed he was unable to kick. (side note: he did not believe he needed to go, but when he told our mom he had a yellow tint to his skin and swollen ankles, my mom demanded he go to the ER). In the ER his blood tests showed that his hemoglobin level was 4, which is critically low and meant he was critically anemic. He was admitted to the hospital where they explained he would get blood transfusions and tests would be done to figure out the cause. With a blood type containing a very rare antigen, it took 16 hours to receive the blood for transfusions, proving to be a very scary wait for him and our family. He underwent 5 blood transfusions, multiple CT scans, multiple lymph and bone marrow biopsies, and was transferred via ambulance to Louisville, Kentucky for further testing and future treatment.

On 6/13/2024 at Norton’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky Kaine was diagnosed with advanced Hodgkins Lymphoma (form of blood cancer) and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA). Kaine has a grapefruit sized mass pushing on his heart and lungs, varying sized masses in his neck, armpits, groin area, ankles, and masses found on other organs throughout the body. The cancer has also spread to his spleen and kidneys. His oncologist informed him that this is curable, but is undoubtedly an uphill battle. The current treatment plan is to undergo 6 months of outpatient chemotherapy after he undergoes inpatient chemotherapy and his body proves he can handle the treatments. He will also have future blood transfusions and additional treatments to also combat his AIHA.

Kaine will not be working during this time, and our mother will be taking leave from her work to aid in his care. Kaine will be moving to Jasper to live with our family during this time. (Isla of course visiting as often as she can) Kaine’s battle with cancer is not merely physical, but will prove to be a profoundly emotional and financial strain as well. Your donation and support will be contributed to the following expenses:

Medical Bills & Supplies: medical bills, necessary medications, medical equipment and items needed during his recovery and treatment

 

Transportation: Kaine will be traveling to Louisville, Kentucky for treatments from Jasper, Indiana. Proving to add up quickly.

 

Nutrition: healthy and nutrient rich diet that will be required during his recovery

 

Living Expenses: varying bills that do not stop coming each month even when you find yourself in this situation.

Our goal is to ensure Kaine is equipped with the best chance to a recovery journey that has minimal stress. We want Kaine to be focused on healing and to alleviate any outside stressors if we can, such as financial burdens. Any amount that you can donate, words of encouragement, and overall support can mean the world’s difference to Kaine during this time.

My family can not thank those of you that contribute enough. It takes a village to face some of life’s battles, so thank you for joining Kaine’s fight.