The Kiser Family, Fairfax, VA

2008 DC Night of a Million Stars Recipient

In February 2006, Bill Kiser was diagnosed with Lymphoma Hodgkin's Stage 4B.  Over the next several months, he underwent chemotherapy, an Antilogous stem cell transplant at the end of January 2007 and finally, radiation.  Sadly, on June 28, 2008 Bill passed away.  Bill always had an amazing positive attitude, and that was what kept him going during his fight with Hodgkin's.  His wife of ten years, Alyson, had been an incredible pillar of strength for their two young boys.  After losing his job because he could not work, Alyson started working a few nights a week at a local restaurant to try to bring in extra income.  But with Bill so sick, she couldn't even leave for a few hours in the evening because he couldn't always take care of the boys, so she was forced to quit.  After months of struggling, the family was forced to sell their home.  The donation from Betterment helped the family with tuition for the boys' school and uniforms.