We are saddened to share the news that Shawn was recently diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer, which has metastasized throughout his body. This news came unexpectedly; his bloodwork had been perfect only one month prior. However, on October 30th, after experiencing enough pain to take a trip to urgent care, he was sent to the hospital for more advanced imaging, which revealed lesions on both his pancreas and liver. A later biopsy confirmed that these growths are in fact cancer, and a quite aggressive form at that.

On Monday, Shawn was seen at Dana Farber in Boston, where we received information on potential treatments from some of the best oncologists in the world. Though we were relieved to learn more about the care plan, Shawn’s oncology team made the decision to admit him; because his liver function is poor, they are unable to proceed with a treatment until they can manage his bilirubin, which has risen exponentially in a very short amount of time. And, unfortunately, there are still many unknowns: his team is unsure of the precise cause of his poor liver function, which chemotherapy will be available, or even if chemotherapy will help this late in the cancer’s progression. However, regardless of the precise treatment plan, we know several things for sure: if his cancer does respond to chemotherapy, it can be managed but not cured, and doing so will require him, his loving wife, Kathy, and their four children to travel regularly to Boston. Because Shawn is now unable to work, this care plan places a financial burden on the family while he awaits the approval of his PFML— one that we don’t want him to worry about shouldering.

That said, if you are able to give and feel moved to do so, we would greatly appreciate help in offsetting these costs. If you’re not, that’s ok! We would cherish your thoughts and prayers. Feel free to pass those along through Kathy, Megan, Val, Mike, or Britt.