Dear Friends, Family & Neighbors,

Nearly 10 years ago, while they were in their twenties & raising two toddlers, Michael was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). While they were driving through Lone Elk Park, trying to give their kids a normal afternoon, a phone call confirmed that what they feared wasn't just "something off." It was cancer. Life changed instantly.

Since then, Michael has endured years of chemotherapy, countless bone marrow biopsies, medication changes, & long stretches of simply trying to hold the disease at bay. There were periods where things stabilized, & they learned to treasure the ordinary moments, but the fight never truly stopped.

In recent years, things became even more complicated. A medication that helped control his leukemia caused heart failure, nearly taking him from us. That alone took over a year to stabilize before transplant discussions could resume. Through it all, Michael continued working as much as his body allowed because that's simply who he is—someone who shows up, even when it comes at a great personal cost.

They had finally reached the point where a bone marrow transplant was within sight, with the incredible blessing of finding a matching donor in his sister. They were preparing for that next chapter with hope but unfortunately everything changed again.

Michael has now been hospitalized for the past three weeks, and despite the incredible efforts of his medical team, his health has continued to decline. They are taking things one day, one hour, and sometimes one moment at a time, desperately hoping each new treatment will be the one that helps him turn the corner. Unfortunately, they haven't gotten there yet.

Alyssia has taken a leave of absence from work so she can be at his side through this, because there is nowhere else she would rather be. Her husband, Michael, is her best friend, her rock, & the steady center of their family.

As much as she wishes she could stay with him every minute, reality is that the bills don't stop. Now she has to return to work while continuing to be there for Michael and their children while balancing hospital visits, work, parenting, & everything else that comes with this journey. Some days it feels impossible, but they keep putting one foot in front of the other.

This fundraiser has been started because while she can carry a lot, but she can't carry everything alone this time. Michael means everything to Alyssia & the children. Any support helps ease the financial burden so she can focus her energy where it belongs: on Michael's recovery & the family's well-being.

Please share their story & donate if possible to this family and keep them all in your thoughts & prayers. We know everyone is fighting battles of their own, & your kindness, encouragement, & support in any form means more to them more than words can express.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story, caring about their family, & for standing beside them during one of the hardest chapters of their lives.

Wilhite Family Fundraiser