Anna’s story is one of strength, resilience, and community. In 2014, she was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma — a diagnosis that arrived the same summer Guardians of the Galaxy hit theaters. The line “We are Groot” resonated deeply with her, and it became a symbol of the support system that formed around her. Her kids loved the movie, friends wore Groot shirts to visit her, and photos poured in from people wearing Groot gear to remind her she was never alone. After treatment, Anna enjoyed nearly twelve years of remission. Twelve years of living, laughing, raising her children, tailgating with friends, and building a life filled with love. Now, unexpectedly, her cancer has transformed into Stage 3B diffuse large cell lymphoma, an aggressive disease that has brought pain, exhaustion, and rapidly growing tumors. She faces six rounds of R‑CHOP chemotherapy, hair loss, nausea, and periods of being immunocompromised. She’s tired — physically and mentally — but spiritually she remains strong. She reminds herself daily that feeling awful is part of the fight, not a sign of defeat. Through all of this, Treb has been extraordinary, keeping everyone updated and caring for Anna with unwavering devotion. And the Groot family has grown again — friends, colleagues, tailgate buddies, and loved ones stepping forward to help. We have selected a new Groot t-shirt design to show Anna that her forest of supporters is still here, still growing, and still standing with her. Anyone who wants a shirt is welcome to order dirtectly from TeePublic. https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/107747-we-are-groot This Give InKind page is a way to turn love into action: meals for two, protein‑rich dishes that freeze well, gift cards for groceries or delivery, and help with house cleaning. Because Anna must avoid visitors during low‑count days, drop‑off support is especially important. Anna is fighting hard. She is surrounded by love. And she is held up by a community that proudly says, now and always: We are Groot.
Meal-train instructions ***Update*** While Anna is normally not a picky eater right now she needs foods that her stomach can handle easily, please no spicy dishes. If you need to coordinate drop off of a meal or other support please contact Treb directly at 253-709-2343 to arrange a meeting time. At this time, Anna has enough blankets to rest comfortably, and we have enough cheesecake in the freezer to keep her happy. Remember it’s just the two of us. Individual meals are generally more useful Things that can be frozen are useful if appetite is low No fresh veggies or fruits. Drop off only, I can’t have visitors when counts are low ****Protein is important. Egg dishes, rice dishes, noodle dishes or just protein and starch or cooked veggie. Soups. Chicken and dumplings. Breakfast casserole. Potatoes Cheese cake goes down well ironically [UPDATE: We have plenty of delicious cheesecake in the freezer]. Puddings. Ginger chews. No seafood. No nuts. No raw food. If not local/don’t want to cook but want to help: Gift cards for door dash, Publix, or instacart are helpful Or a fund for house cleaning