Ryan Simmons Leukemia Support Fund

I never thought I'd hope someone I loved had a positive Covid test, but when the alternative is leukemia, that's what crosses your mind.

In mid-November of 2020, my husband Ryan Simmons started feeling sick, with a cough, fever, and shortness of breath.  The symptoms all pointed to covid, so he isolated in the guest bedroom  and tried to wait it out at home.  On November 16th, he was not getting better and I took him to the ER.  He checked in and anticipated a five-day stay while he was given anti-virals.  Instead, Ryan's covid test came back negative.   And a routine blood test, instead of showing normal white blood cell counts of 8, came back with sky-high counts of 145, a number that continued to climb to 195.  

Unofficially diagnosed with leukemia, Ryan was transported to the Cleveland Clinic, diagnosed specifically with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and began chemotherapy the next day.  This diagnosis was completely unexpected and still seems unreal, despite the very real side effects of the chemo that are making him miserable.  Ryan is just 36 years old, Dada to his three children, ages 6, 4, and 2, and very much involved in his church, work, and family.  Getting a serious disease like leukemia was not on the radar at all.

However, the support from friends, family, and our church has been instant and unwavering.   Together, Ryan's employers and our church asked me to set up this GoFundMe as an additional way to bless Ryan and our family.  Ryan still has a long road to walk.  More rounds of chemo are probable, a bone marrow transplant is a potential, and maintenance medications are a certainty.  Thank you so much to everyone who has already encouraged us with their presence, presents, and prayers!  You are very much appreciated. <3