On October 16th, 2022, Liz called me and said that she was running her husband, Francisco "Paco" Bernal Martinez, to the Clarion ER. He had been ill for going on 3 weeks and Liz decided that he needed to be seen. Within a few hours, after bloodwork and phone calls, Paco was sent to Ames by ambulance with suspected leukemia or lymphoma. Paco arrived at Mary Greeley and was sent to the cancer floor. The next day, October 17th, the oncologists requested a bone marrow biopsy. The results came on October 19th. Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML. AML is very aggressive. AML is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow starts to release a large number of abnormal white blood cells into the blood. Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The same day, Paco started chemotherapy. The first kind of chemo that he began, started 24 hours a day for 7 days. The second type of chemo began the same day as well, for the first 3 days as well as a third treatment that wasn't chemotherapy but an antibody drug specific for AML. Liz has been by Paco's side throughout this all and has just sat back and watched while he is receiving blood and/or platelets everyday since the 16th. He is still getting antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungal meds everyday to try to keep him from getting sick. The oncologist has scheduled another bone marrow biopsy for around November 2nd, to see if they chemotherapy treatment worked and his body has quit making leukemia the cells. He will still be in the hospital for a few weeks after that because they literally have to wipe his white blood cell count out and start over. At the moment, Liz and Paco are looking at 4-6 weeks more, in the hospital as long as Paco is responding to the treatment. If he isn't responding to treatment, they may do a bone marrow transplant which will have to be done in Iowa City or Mayo. Once Paco is released, he will not be 100%. He will come home with a PICC line in and still have some treatments after he's returned home. His immune system will be severly compromised as well. Paco's weight on the 16th was 115lbs. This morning, the 26th, he weighed in at 99 and has maintained that since last night. Liz is making sure she orders his tray before he has even woken up. PACO VAMOS A CAMINAR! (PACO LETS GO WALK!) Ordering him to the bathroom left and right, but making sure he knows its because she loves him. With Paco off work, this family of 7 will now be depending on Liz's income only. Paco also has no health insurance. Luckily WCPH, where Liz is employed, has made her schedule manageable from the hospital. The family is stretched at the moment-for groceries, toiletries, chlorox wipes, ect. This fund would go to help pay or cover: gas, medical bills, prescriptions, food, household items, household bills....ect. Liz's meals aren't free at the hospital, and the last thing we want her worrying about is whether or not she can eat. In order to fully support Paco in this fight against AML, we have to start by supporting his wife and family. This fundraiser is for just that. Warm meals are welcomed by the older boys at home holding down the fort for Mom and Paco. I am popping in throughout the week to make sure supper is done and kids are taking showers, while Pon keeps the house and laundry together all while making sure the younger kiddos are getting to and from school. I will be in Clarion Friday through Sunday every weekend with all the kiddos. Any questions about how you can help in other ways-PM me, Stef Sandoval.