Pete Harless Cancer Treatment Fund

This spring, Pete Harless, who is a father to Laina and Marin and husband to Leigh, was diagnosed with a form of malignant bone cancer in his pelvis called chondrosarcoma.

The tumor resides in his hip and has severely compromised his pelvis. These types of cancers don't respond to chemotherapy, so an involved and difficult surgery is his only option to remove it.

Pete and Leigh are currently meeting with specialists to plan the next course of action, and there are a couple options:

- The first option is a procedure called an internal hemipelvectomy where parts of the pelvis and femur are removed along with the tumor, which will result in unknowns around mobility;

- The second option is an internal hemipelvectomy combined with advanced reconstruction of the pelvis and femur.  This is a complicated and rare procedure that may allow Pete to walk again, albeit likely assisted with a cane or walker.

Both surgical options are complicated, will require lengthy hospital stays, and even lengthier recoveries with significant physical therapy. Whichever option he chooses will result in a new normal for Pete, Leigh and his girls, Laina and Marin.

While thankfully Pete has health insurance, their family will be facing large medical bills due to co-insurance and recovery supplies for many months' worth of procedures and rehabilitation.  It's also possible that Pete will need to travel outside Spokane for surgery as there are no local specialists who can perform the advanced reconstruction if he chooses to go that route.

Pete will be unable to work, making the financial situation especially difficult for his family.  All funds raised from this campaign will go directly towards Pete's medical expenses.

Pete will likely undergo the surgery within the next month and we'll know more once he can get face to face time with the appropriate specialists to plan next steps. His family will keep this page updated with his medical status.

Pete is adored by his children and wife. He's an incredible and involved father and these next months will be particularly difficult as he recovers.  We hope you will find it in your hearts to contribute whatever you can to help the Harless family during this difficult time.