A kidney transplant recipient who was recently diagnosed with cancer is looking forward to an event that is being held to help raise funds for his treatment. Jennifer Nichols, wife of Arlen Nichols, shares he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March and the doctors recommended two years of chemotherapy.

However, with his transplanted kidney and the chemotherapy zapping his energy, they’re looking at alternative treatments. The couple is wanting to go to the Cancer Center of America in Chicago, which isn’t covered by their insurance. To raise funds a 5k run and walk is being held in downtown Washington on Saturday, July 16th. The same morning there will also be a breakfast fundraiser at Hy-Vee where both Jennifer and Arlen work.

Jennifer explains they moved to Washington, without family here in 2006, a year before the kidney transplant, and the community has become their family, she said, “This is the best family that we’ve ever had, I’d never call any other place home but Washington, Iowa.”

Jennifer isn’t alone in looking forward to the event, she explains talking about the event makes Arlen smile during this trying time. To register in advance for the 5k visit the customer service desk at Hy-Vee. There is also same day registration that morning at 8 a.m. with the 5k beginning at 9 a.m. with Arlen in attendance.