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- Summer of 2008
Dan Grauer is an amazing Christian man who has touched many lives. He is a 63-year-old husband of almost 42 years, a loving father of three adult children, a grandfather to five little ones, and a former teacher and coach. He recently had two more living donor stem cell transplants to potentially save his life. Three years ago he was diagnosed with stage III multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is an ultimately fatal malignancy affecting the plasma cells in the bone marrow, decreasing bone marrow function and immunity, destroying bone tissue, resulting in fractures of bone and compression fractures of the vertebrae, and causing anemia resulting in fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing on exertion. Infection is also a common threat and a leading cause of death. Over the seven months following diagnosis, two other vertebrae collapsed and Dan had to undergo kyphoplasty. After two types of chemotherapy, Dan underwent a stem cell transplant. Determined to return to teaching, six months later he was back in the junior high classroom. The stem cell transplant held the multiple myeloma at bay for one year and three months.
On his birthday and 40th wedding anniversary, Dan’s oncologist informed him that the multiple myeloma had returned. While continuing to teach in the 2007-8 school year, he went through two different types of cancer treatments. Just as that school year was ending he was hospitalized with pneumonia which convinced him it was time to take an early retirement. He was given yet another chemotherapy but severe skin reaction ended that type of treatment, and it was determined that he needed two consecutive stem cell transplants.
This is quite a battle, but Dan is fighting to survive. He relocated to Seattle in March, 2009, as required for treatment at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Care Alliance. He recieved two stem cell transplants and is currently recovering and waiting for results. He is expected to stay in Seattle until the end of July and return home to Tacoma for continued recovery in August, 2009. Jane took time away from teaching in order to be his caregiver, but is hoping to return to work in September.
Thank you so much to those of you who have helped and continue to help – prayers, donations, and taking care of things at home in Tacoma! There is no way to express what a blessing you are to this family. Your prayers are such a blessing and we believe God is answering them. The donations continue to provide much needed assistance (check out the donation page for more information). We appreciate your continued support in any way you are able.