Rachel Gumto is my very close friend and neighbor. Member of St. Peter St. Joan of Arc parish and Elementary School Psychologist, she is also wife to Kyle Gumto and mom to two young boys: Harrison, 8-years, and Bennett, 6-years. About a year and a half ago, Rachel told the world about her cancer diagnosis. Initially, she was hesitant to share as she remains a very private, very positive person however in order to find a donor, she needed to share her story. Myelofibrosis is a type of blood cancer that typically needs a stem cell transplant to be treated. Rachel received her transplant from an overseas donor in June of 2024. She prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally...she went in with a smile on her face and hope in her heart and has remained that way throughout her journey. During the transplant, she was hospitalized for over a month at the James and gradually regained her strength so she could return home. Unfortunately, after a year long battle, the family received news that her initial stem-cell transplant and the subsequent "boost" she received (June 2025) have not yielded the results she needs. Her white blood cell and neutrophil counts remain critically low, and she continues to face a slew of ongoing, dangerous complications due to her weakened immune system. The goal of this page is to continue to support Rachel in her ongoing fight against Myelofibrosis and to help Kyle care for their boys, Harrison and Bennett, as they navigate moving through this journey that has lasted much, much longer than initially anticipated. Over the last seven months, Rachel has needed to be admitted inpatient seven times due to various infections. Most recently, she contracted a rare fungal infection called "Lasiodiplodia Viticola." This virus, both extremely rare and extremely dangerous, typically attacks plants. It's so rare in humans, in fact, that there aren't even many human studies available for her doctors to consult. This virus found it's way into her body due to her inability to fend off even the most mild environmental particles. In a conscious effort to combat the infection, Rachel has undergone four major sinus surgeries within 15 days of each other, aimed at clearing the affected area. With the debridement from her surgeries and the help of intensive IV treatments, she is able to continue to fight. Rachel is currently at home with the ability to administer IV medication through her PICC line and will require ongoing treatment for several months along with visits 3x/week for labs, transfusions and infusions as required. While the hope is she can continue to fight the fungal infection, the toxicity of the medications are destroying her liver and kidneys and the nausea prevents her from eating. To date, she has lost over 40 pounds and to be frank, she's running out of time. Just this week, Rachel and Kyle learned that she may soon need a second stem-cell transplant. This brings several new considerations for their family: 1. They will need community support. The funds from their first GoFundMe have been entirely utilized. Rachel's medical journey requires her to maintain private insurance, which has substantial monthly costs. Alongside medication, hospital visits, and critical interventions, they now face heightened financial demands. 2. The family is beginning to discuss potential future scenarios, focusing on the well-being of Harrison and Bennett. It’s vital to ensure they have access to summer camps, activities, therapy, and everyday essentials. While the road ahead is tough, Rachel and Kyle are demonstrating incredible resilience. They are feeling a mix of fear and frustration, knowing they’ve made countless sacrifices throughout this journey, but they remain hopeful. I read a quote once that said: "Just because I carry it well, doesn't mean it isn't heavy." This beautifully encapsulates their current situation. Despite the challenges, Rachel, Kyle, Harrison, and Bennett are showing strength in carrying on, facing each day with courage and grace. Let's continue to stand alongside them. Thank you so much for being part of the wonderful community that remains dedicated to supporting them. Your prayers, kindness and generosity are appreciated more than words can say.