Ken Koontz
Donation protected
Now that things are getting serious, we want to let all our friends and family know about the very serious health condition our father, Ken Koontz, is currently facing.
About 3 years ago, our father was in the hospital for a gall bladder attack. Before surgery, we found out that his platelets were abnormally low and he was unable to go through surgery until the doctors were able to give him several transfusions.
After the surgery, he was referred to an Oncologist for his low platelet count. After several tests, including two very painful bone marrow biopsies, he was diagnosed with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes) – an extremely rare blood cancer that mimics Leukemia. Once his diagnosis was determined, our father went through several different treatments and tried numerous medication combinations. All which showed no signs of stopping this cancer from worsening.
Recently, his doctor decided that he should start a chemotherapy regimen. A chemo treatment that he would receive once a month, one week a month, 5 days in a row… for the rest of his life. This was the only option of maintaining his health, hoping the medication would break down his unhealthy cells to allow them to grow back strong and healthy. Should this not work, he will have to undergo a full stem cell transfusion, and pray that his body take to the new cells.
Unfortunately a month into this treatment, it has completely depleted his health. He has developed Paraneoplastic syndrome… another rare disease which makes your body produce an abnormal amount of proteins… and in his case, the proteins are attacking every joint in his body leaving him in extreme pain.
Our family has decided to take a chance with this. He is an extremely proud man and he’s probably going to kick our ass when he finds out we did this for him… But we’re feeling its time we turn to our friends and family for help. He’s never asked for anything from anyone. My dad has worked 32 years at the same company, working his butt off providing for our family… always helping others, never needing or wanting anything from anyone else. If you know my dad, you know what a great man he is… you could imagine how distraught we all are to see him like this. It truly is crazy that you can work all your life but cant get by on disability alone. Hopefully soon his Social Security Disability will be approved… pray that we have no issue’s with that.
Currently he is in Franklin Square Hospital awaiting a bed for Hopkins or Maryland. Each day passes and we are hearing nothing new. We will be sure to keep everyone posted with updates.
We know not everyone is in a financial situation to give… if you could please send your prayers, positive vibes… its appreciated more than you know.
Xoxo-
Lacey & Rich
About 3 years ago, our father was in the hospital for a gall bladder attack. Before surgery, we found out that his platelets were abnormally low and he was unable to go through surgery until the doctors were able to give him several transfusions.
After the surgery, he was referred to an Oncologist for his low platelet count. After several tests, including two very painful bone marrow biopsies, he was diagnosed with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes) – an extremely rare blood cancer that mimics Leukemia. Once his diagnosis was determined, our father went through several different treatments and tried numerous medication combinations. All which showed no signs of stopping this cancer from worsening.
Recently, his doctor decided that he should start a chemotherapy regimen. A chemo treatment that he would receive once a month, one week a month, 5 days in a row… for the rest of his life. This was the only option of maintaining his health, hoping the medication would break down his unhealthy cells to allow them to grow back strong and healthy. Should this not work, he will have to undergo a full stem cell transfusion, and pray that his body take to the new cells.
Unfortunately a month into this treatment, it has completely depleted his health. He has developed Paraneoplastic syndrome… another rare disease which makes your body produce an abnormal amount of proteins… and in his case, the proteins are attacking every joint in his body leaving him in extreme pain.
Our family has decided to take a chance with this. He is an extremely proud man and he’s probably going to kick our ass when he finds out we did this for him… But we’re feeling its time we turn to our friends and family for help. He’s never asked for anything from anyone. My dad has worked 32 years at the same company, working his butt off providing for our family… always helping others, never needing or wanting anything from anyone else. If you know my dad, you know what a great man he is… you could imagine how distraught we all are to see him like this. It truly is crazy that you can work all your life but cant get by on disability alone. Hopefully soon his Social Security Disability will be approved… pray that we have no issue’s with that.
Currently he is in Franklin Square Hospital awaiting a bed for Hopkins or Maryland. Each day passes and we are hearing nothing new. We will be sure to keep everyone posted with updates.
We know not everyone is in a financial situation to give… if you could please send your prayers, positive vibes… its appreciated more than you know.
Xoxo-
Lacey & Rich
Organizer
Lacey Koontz
Organizer
Middle River, MD