I’m fighting for my incredible wife, Ashlyn, a bad ass soon-to-be six-year survivor of acute myeloid leukemia. She has been an inspiration, a rock, and an insanely patient partner (I’m a lot to deal with) for the last six years.

No one is ready to hear the word cancer. Cancer became a harsh reality for us a week before our wedding in December 2016 when Ashlyn was diagnosed after what should have been a routine physical. We went from expecting a clean bill of health as she prepared to move overseas with me, to processing and coping with her leukemia diagnosis. We still tied the knot - although with a venue change to the hospital - and turned our focus to her treatment. After 100+ nights in the hospital during our first five months of marriage, Ashlyn underwent a life saving bone marrow transplant thanks to Greg, a selfless man from Canada, who stepped up to be Ashlyn’s donor. The transplant officially put her in remission on May 19 2017.

Survivorship came with its own challenges. Ashlyn has been dealing with graft-vs-host disease, a side effect of the transplant, that has attacked her lungs, eyes, skin, and muscles. All of her treatments also led to two full hip replacements.

Cancer sucks. There is no other way to put it. And it doesn't end when you achieve remission, either - it continues to impact survivors long after their final treatment, both physically and mentally. Through it all, Ashlyn has been an inspiration to me. She’s gone through hell, at least a few times, and she keeps on going. I am so grateful for every day, for every moment that I get to spend with her.

These moments would not be possible if not for the hospitals, researchers, doctors, nurses, medical assistants, lab techs, environmental services, schedulers, and every other staff member that has been and is a part of her care team. Ashlyn’s journey and these incredible people are why I’m working my butt off, both literally and metaphorically, to raise as much damn money as possible.

I am fighting for all our loved ones going through treatment - for better odds, for more survivors. For our friend, recently diagnosed.

I am fighting for all the survivors, recently cured and years in remission. For my wife, Ashlyn. For my uncle, Jerry.

I am fighting for every employee at hospitals, treatment centers, and research facilities.

I am fighting for those we have all lost. For my grandma, Melba. For my grandpa, Jim. For all your loved ones.

I am fighting for all the caregivers who stand steadfastly next to those they love.

On May 11, I will be stepping into the boxing ring to raise money for Small Choices Foundation and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, two incredible organizations that have played a profound role in Ashlyn’s and my journey through cancer treatment, caregiving, and survivorship. 

Small Choices Foundation was founded by a rock star of a human being, Kate Poppert. Kate made it possible for us to connect with other young adult patients and caregivers, helping Ashlyn and me feel a little less alone in our journey. Thank you, Kate, for making the world a little smaller for us and going out of your way to create a positive moment in so many others' cancer journeys.

Fred Hutch Cancer Center, formerly called the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, has been our home away from home for over four years. It has become a place where Ashlyn feels like she is truly in the best and most caring hands. Their treatment and groundbreaking research on GVHD and post-transplant survivorship are the godsend that have improved Ashlyn's quality of life. Thank you to every member of the team that has done so much.

Cancer can take so much from us and I am to be pushing back, to be joining this effort to knockout cancer. Anything you can donate makes a huge impact for so many. Plus, it comes with the added benefit of me getting punched in the face. It's a real win-win.

If you can't donate, please also think about registering to become a bone marrow donor with Be the Match to help save someone's life.