Support Richie Clemens and Family

If you know Richie, you know he has the biggest heart, an insane work ethic, and lives for his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Sydney (9) and Aubrey (6). For the past five years, he has dedicated himself to KPUB  electric company with the goal of becoming a journey lineman. He worked full-time during the day, took call, and would study and test in his off time. Richie was on track to complete his 4-year apprenticeship the first quarter of this year and is devastated to be so close, yet have to put this accomplishment on hold while he fights toward recovery.

Richie’s Cancer Journey:

In December of last year, while at work, Richie’s life was forever changed. For months he had been dealing with what he thought was an on-again-off-again back injury. This day while trying to guide a poll into place, a typical work duty, he hit the ground in excruciating pain and hours later was unable to stand or walk upright. The next day he went to the ER with debilitating pain, ultimately leading him to an orthopedic office a couple of days later. At this point, Richie was unable to walk or stand without the full-time use of a walker. A STAT MRI was ordered and by 6 pm that same night they received the news that there were lesions on his spine.

He was immediately referred to a neurosurgeon for a biopsy. During that appointment, after seeing the amount of pain Richie was in, the neurosurgeon told him and his wife, Michelle, that he suspected Multiple Myeloma and believed it had metastasized to the spine. The doctor explained that without emergency surgery to secure his T-spine, he could at any moment become paralyzed. He was immediately admitted to the hospital pending surgery. During Richie’s surgery, the doctors discovered and repaired fractures to his T3, T5, T6, T8, and T9 vertebrae and removed as much operable tumor as possible on his T3 and T7 vertebrae. Cement was placed in his T3 while alternate material was placed at T7, as it was too soft for cement. He also had 2 rods and 8 screws placed for stabilization.

Multiple Myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow and causes abnormal plasma cells to grow out of control quickly, crowding out healthy cells. Richie’s body was not producing enough healthy red blood cells/hemoglobin causing him to be anemic to the point he needed a blood transfusion of three units just to bring his levels to slightly below normal. Richie was discharged on the 21st and was able to spend Christmas and his oldest daughter’s birthday at home.

On December 29th, Richie saw an oncologist for the first time. She confirmed the biopsy results as stage 3 IGA Kappa Multiple Myeloma and on January 12th, Richie started his first round of chemotherapy. For the next several months, he will continue this chemo cycle of two weeks on and one week off. As expected, the chemo is taking a toll on his body, but also, producing signs of improved prognostic markers. For now, his pain is becoming manageable and he is moving in a positive direction with a long and challenging road ahead of him.

Our Goal for Richie and His Family:

The goal of this GoFundMe is to allow Richie and his family to focus on his recovery rather than the stressful financial part of his extensive and ongoing medical expenses. Any contribution made is deeply appreciated by their family. All support, prayers, and donations are welcome as well as a like or share to help spread his story.  

Richie is strong spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and is determined to fight for his beautiful life!