In October 2023, my dad was hospitalized due to several worrisome symptoms. After extensive testing, the doctors discovered a large mass growing in his abdominal area. It turned out to be non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), specifically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). He tried the first line of treatment, 6 rounds of R-CHOP, a chemotherapy that is used to treat NHL.
When the chemo proved to be unsuccessful at curing the cancer, we met with a team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in South Lake Union to discuss other forms of treatment, such as CAR-T cell therapy. There were plans to move forward. However, he had a specific form of DLBCL called double expressor, which is known to be very aggressive. Shortly after securing a plan, my dad was sent to the hospital and had multiple blood transfusions a day. When they couldn’t keep him stable, they transferred him to the University of Washington Medical Center where he had surgery. Shortly after, he was admitted to the ICU and we were called to invite family for his last 24 hours.
My dad’s 9.5-month journey (he didn’t like to call it a battle!) with lymphoma ended on Sunday, July 14 at the University of Washington Medical Center on Montlake.
My dad and I had a special bond. He was an important cheerleader for me, both growing up and into adulthood. I remember him reading with me every night as a kid; one of our favorites was “Don’t Cry, Leon” (a Puzzle Place book). I remember him reviewing flash cards with me before tests and reminding me to chew gum so I could focus. I remember him helping me practice my defensive skills in soccer and cheering “Go Jessica, woo-hoo!” at games. I remember him being so excited when I got into the UW, when I was elected Chapter President of my sorority, and when I was accepted into the Foster School of Business. I remember him reviewing my resume and helping me practice for job interviews. I also remember him constantly urging me to create more “white space” on my calendar.
I also fondly remember the times we spent together, like when we installed a bottle opener on the pergola in the backyard and tackled other house projects, or when we replaced the shifters on my bicycle. My dad inspired my love for many things: coffee, beer, football, and, most importantly, cycling.
There’s not an hour that goes by that I don’t think about my dad. He drove-and continues to drive-me to be the best possible version of myself and to live life to the absolute fullest.
Now, I closely follow Blood Cancer United and all the work they do. I participated in the Big Climb last year and plan to do so every year moving forward.
Jessica
Volunteer
