Our dear friend Lee Merrill is facing a serious illness, and he will be undergoing treatment over the coming months. He is currently waiting on final test results that will inform interventions over the next season, and we will update this page as more information becomes available. This space is for friends who would like to support Lee by helping with meals, tasks, errands, and transport during this time. ------- Medical Update ------ So far we have our diagnosis, which is advanced gastric cancer. We got good news that the tumors have high PD-1 expression, a marker we can exploit with additional first line immunotherapy meds, and we start chemo on the 16th in Fishersville and then we can move the infusions back to Lexington. The cancer restricts eating by mouth, thus superfine soups and smoothies are awesome, and it does sap our energy, so we need a lot of sleep, but so far its not causing a lot of pain, and we have a great team of doctors and a clear path to treatment. We hope this little update helps folks feel informed, and lets us focus on non-medical topics during visits :) Like families, architecture, spiritual learning, and the pursuit of peace and happiness. Love to all. The Merrills ----- Update ----- Dear Friends - We wanted to share an update about Lee. After thoughtful conversations with his family and oncologist, Lee has decided not to pursue chemotherapy. He has enrolled in hospice care and is now resting comfortably at home. This choice reflects his values and his wish to focus on peace, comfort, and being surrounded by love as he enters a natural process of letting go. Lee would welcome visits from friends and family who feel called to come-simply to sit with him, share quiet time, offer words of love, forgiveness, gratitude, blessing, or farewell. There is no expectation to "do" anything; presence alone is enough. If you are visiting, please don't worry about coordinating times or seeking permission, you are welcome at 101 Willow Lane to drop by daytime anytime from 9:30-5:30. Thank you for holding Lee in your hearts as he makes a peaceful withdrawal. With love - Ryan and Amanda
Dear Friends, Today, just before sunset, Lee took his last breathes in his bedroom, surrounded by his family, peaceful, and free of pain. This morning, we had a small, private burial at the Meadows. We will now take a few days of quiet reflection and rest. *** On Sunday, the Winter Solstice, we will hold a wake for Lee, at Heartstone Lodge, at 1366 Stuartsburg Rd, Buena Vista, VA 24416, from 2-6 pm.*** We will organize warm canapés and drinks, and we invite all Lee's friends to join us here to share memories of Lee with toasts in his honor. With love, the Merrills