For Lynette, McKenzie & the Johnsons

I'm not exactly sure where to begin, but by the end of this I will ask for your help if you can, by making a donation. Please read on and consider it

I met McKenzie Johnson almost 3 years ago on Facebook believe it or not... she was undoubtedly a kick-butt mountaineer, strong and steady, incredibly attractive, and maybe most significantly, had a brave & powerful personal story to share. I was very intrigued. And so I reached out. I learned quickly that a big part of her heart and life centered around caretaking for her mom, Lynette, who has incurable blood cancer.

Fast forward some months later... Ive gotten to know Lynette, McKenzie and the Johnson family a lot more and just barely, just barely, began to see and understand the anxiety and real horror of this cancer. I did not know much, I still don't. But I began to hear stories and meet an incredibly brave community of people. I shook hands with a mom that lost her daughter way too early who was an incredible soccer player. I visited a lady (and now friend) at the UW hospital that just began treatment and though knowing she may not make it through, found a way to make me laugh. I attended oncologist visits with Lynette and the Johnsons, when asked for support or help in some way. I've seen and watched the anxiety of living life between 3-month oncology check-ups, where the next visit could mean treatment again, and constantly in the background asking the question "will she make it?", or "will this be her last?".

This is the "living life 3-months at a time" people. This is the "i lost my dad", " i lost my coworker", "I don't think he is going to make it" stories. This is the staring death in the face community... and putting up a brave fight, with tear-filled eyes, for those they love... and even many more months later, those I now know and love.

McKenzie, Lynette, and the Johnson family are heros of mine. And over time I've met many many more. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is full of them, fighting cancer every day, finding cures, treatments, small wins over time that make huge life saving differences. McKenzie champions these heros by working for LLS. Supporting Mac and her mom, I gratefully joined the Pineapple Classic committee 2 years ago, raising $$ and awareness to help. It is an honor to do so. Pineapple is a fun annual fundraiser, this year we are trying to raise 400K.

(This is the part I ask for help )

Today I am continuing to join these heros, and this fight. Today I am inviting you to do so also....I'd ask that if this touched you in anyway, consider supporting and donating today. I know ya'll get pinged with a lot of "please support" stuff, me too. Do it for Lynette, do it for McKenzie, do it for the Johnson family and many other families, or do for the many others who are or will be battling cancer in the months and years ahead.

If you've read all of this, I sincerely want to thank you for listening and hearing me out. I appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day :)

- Nate Lanting