This past September, Chris Menne went to urgent care at his local hospital due to chest pain. A concerning situation for the otherwise healthy 42-year-old husband and father soon turned more serious when the doctors diagnosed Chris with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
The mass on his chest wall will require an intense chemotherapy treatment for the next two years. Additionally, a bone marrow transplant may be considered in 12 months.
While shocking, Chris quickly came to terms with the news and commenced his treatment with a positive demeanor and outlook. His current plan at Mass General Brigham (MGB) in Boston, MA includes 10 treatments. Each cycle requires Chris to be in-patient for six days at a time.
An army of support has surrounded Chris, led by his wife Sondra, daughter Anila (3), and son Orion (21 months). Hope Strengthens Foundation is honored to have joined the community that continues to grow and support Chris on his journey to beat cancer.
We’ve worked with Sondra to identify targeted needs on the road ahead. As one could imagine, the cost factors involved with Chris’ treatment are substantial and we are reaching out to our amazing donor base to respectfully request any support you may be willing to provide.
Opportunities to help Chris and his family include:
$13 for daily parking. Or $780 to cover the 60 planned trips (6 daily trips x 10 treatment cycles) Sondra will take to be by Chris’ side during treatment.
$54 for daily roundtrip transportation (mileage & fuel) for Sondra to travel and support Chris. Or $3,240 to cover all 60 of Sondra’s trips to/from the hospital.
Following his initial 10 treatments, Chris will visit MGB three times per week for follow-on treatments, transfusions, and appointments for up to 42 weeks. During these visits, it’s anticipated Chris will need to be at the hospital for up to five hours at a time. Expenses associated with these visits include:
$18 for validated daily valet parking. Or $2,268 to cover the 126 visits (three visits per week x 42 weeks). Valet parking will accommodate a smooth drop-off and pick-up routine for Chris as he undergoes treatment.
$20 for a daily lunch. Or $2,920 to cover lunches during his 126 visits. Once Chris gets into this routine, we’ll monitor if additional meals and snacks are needed, as it will be a long day when accounting for the five hour visits to MGB and roundtrip travel.
$35 for daily insurance co-pays per visit. Or $4,410 to cover the 126 visits.
Tax-deductible donations, no matter the size, will make a tremendous difference to Chris and his family, allowing them to focus more energy on beating cancer. You can make a contribution by clicking the button below.
Thank you for your generosity and support.