Help Gage & Family with Medical Expenses

*This is a long term fundraising goal based on planned treatment*

I write to you all, with words from the hearts of the of the Pengal/Hegfield family. Our sweet nephew (son, grandson, great grandson, brother, and friend), Gage, was diagnosed with T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in July. As it often does, this came out of nowhere. Gage is beyond loved as a son, brother, nephew, grandson, great grandson and friend. Just this Summer, Gage was living the life of your typical 16 year old boy. He was enjoying his new job, as a lifeguard, at a local water park for the summer, his job at Cornpopper Farm, enjoying hassling his younger siblings and, of course, often getting grounded for not doing his homework. Things changed quickly, for Gage and his family.

After trying to begin to understand and take in all that comes along with this unsettling diagnosis, my sister-in-law mustered up the strength and posted the initial announcement on July 22, 2021. She is genuine and truly has a way with words. I thought it best to not change things. You can read this initial announcement and feel the pain, strength and hope in her tone. It takes a village and Gage has an absolutely incredible village.

"I’m just going to get semi straight to it, per Gage’s request, I’m just not sure of a graceful way to do it…so, here it is… Gage was transferred from Geauga hospital and admitted to UH Rainbows PICU, after a recently confirmed suspicion of Leukemia. Today it was confirmed that Gage, my 16 year old baby, has T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This is an aggressive cancer. He does have a mass in his chest. The treatment is very aggressive and very effective and we do anticipate an eventual positive outcome. Until then he is going to give it all he’s got and we are hoping for minimal surprises. Since last night, he has been ran through the ringer. Bone marrow biopsies, echocardiogram, picc line, spinal taps, lots of bloodwork, platelet transfusions, petscans….Steroids have been administered, chemo starts any minute.

Our families are being ran through the ringer as well, as I know some of you unfortunately know all too well. We have a fabulous support system and are overwhelmed by the support of family and friends already. THANK YOU! He is currently in good spirits and taking it like a champ. I anticipate this will be a roller coaster over many months (hopefully just months ) ahead..."

Since this post, Gage has remained strong and family and friends have joined together with strong force. Jamie and family continue to provide detailed updates on Facebook.

"We need all of the support we can get. We have since found this journey will be a minimum of 3 years of treatment filled with both anticipated and unanticipated hospital stays and visits." - Jamie

I encourage you to read past posts and keep up with Gage's journey to kicking cancer's ass - here: https://www.facebook.com/Gage-Housholders-T-Cell-Acute-Lymphoblastic-Leukemia-journey-103982278637697/?ref=page_internal

Gage is a lucky boy with two households that care for and adore him. Donations from this fundraiser will go to the household of Gage Housholder, Jamie Pengal Hegfield (mom), Doug Hegfield (step-dad), Ryan, Eden and June (siblings) to help cover medical costs and related expenses.

Here we are in October and to say things have been tough, would be a enormous understatement. Gage, is a warrior and has handled everything with such strength and some may say, SPUNK and SASS!

The family has spent weeks at a time in the incredible care of Rainbows Baby and Children's Hospital (or more often referred to as "Hotel Rainbow" these days). The family is currently managing to sustain cost daily bills and family expenses. The raised funds will be put towards already and anticipated missed work and the comprehensive medical and related expenses the family is facing, today and moving forward through this process. Any support for the family is truly appreciated. Thank you, in advance for your donations, love, support, prayers and good vibes for Gage and family! THANK YOU does not begin to cover it!