Support Steph's Battle Against Stage 4 Lymphoma

This is such a weird thing to write, because I’m not sure how to accurately address all of the people who love Steph. So, to all the friends, family, acquaintances, old co-workers, schoolmates, childhood friends, friends of friends—to all the people who have known her or have known of her in any way—she needs you.

As many of you know, Steph has cancer—Stage 4 Lymphoma. It is a rare, aggressive type (ALK-ALCL) that will require months of intensive chemotherapy and potentially a stem cell transplant in the future. It is treatable, but she has a very long road ahead. She is adjusting to living with a cancer port in her chest along with the indescribable fatigue that follows such intensive treatments. She is also starting to lose her hair, making the reality of her fight that much more palpable. She is sick. She’s going to be sick for a while.

If that’s not challenging enough, cancer is cruelly expensive. And not in the predictable way where there’s a giant bill with a nice sum total at the bottom. It’s unclear how much the costs of treatment will be in the end, what insurance will and won’t cover, and what she’ll require to feel whole again on the other side of this. Not to mention the accumulation of basic needs that are everchanging as she adjusts to the day-to-day discomforts of chemo.

This is where WE come in. Steph and Jake have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support since her diagnosis. They are not comfortable asking for help in general, let alone financial support. They work hard for what they have and take pride in their ability to handle things independently. But cancer is too big for that. So, we are rallying around them to start chipping away at the financial burden ahead.

We can’t do much to cure Steph’s cancer, but alleviating the stress of bills is one of the most powerful and pragmatic ways we can collectively support them. With less stress about unpredictable costs, Steph can focus on healing, and Jake can concentrate on being present with her. It will give them the freedom to explore options and advocate for care. It’s not enough, but it’s a lot. It’s important. And we need as many people as possible to help them experience that sliver of ease.

Thank you for loving her. Thank you for contributing to her care. Go team.