Meet the Byers

The Byers look like your typical American family: a hard-working dad (Rob), a doting mom (Rachel), two rowdy boys (Chris and Joe) and a sassy little sister (Jenessa, or “Boey,” as she is called). But in January 2006, Boey, now eight, was diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive childhood cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma which has a 70% survival rate. Not ones to be defeated, this loving, spirited family banded together for the fight of their lives. Not only has “little warrior” Boey (another nickname) endured nearly a year of chemotherapy and radiation, she has also been outspoken about combating cancer. In June, in between stays at the Children’s Cancer Center at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Boey asked Oregon Senator Ron Wyden to cosponsor the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.

Though the brave Byers are admirably united in rallying around Boey and advocating for progress in pediatric cancer treatment, her medical bills have left them broke. The family’s old, fixer-upper house that Rob planned to transform into their dream home remains in disrepair and, even worse, is dangerous to Boey’s fragile immune system. Asbestos has been removed from the house, but it still contains toxic mold, a faulty electrical system, dry rot, an unstable foundation and broken windows. Brother Joe, who has Asperger Syndrome (a form of autism), suffers asthma attacks triggered by the home’s toxins—which also requires medical treatment. Rachel forbids her children access to hazardous parts of the house.

Help this deserving family realize their dream of living in a safe, clean and environmentally green home that doesn’t threaten Boey’s or Joe’s health.

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