A Giving Man Needs a Hand: Stand by John

I’m a close friend of John Jordan’s and I’d like to share his story.

John got sober in November of 2005. Alcoholism is a terrible disease, and it robs us of many years of our lives. Tragically, his son Carson died by suicide in December 2006. Somehow, with just one year of sobriety, John managed to stay sober through this tragedy. Losing a child is more than anyone should have to endure. Unfortunately, John would have to face many more challenges in his life.

In February of 2021, John had a hip replacement, and his doctors noticed that his PSA numbers were increasing indicating issues with his prostate. After having an MRI and a PET scan on his hip it was revealed that he had a mass on his prostate. Further tests showed it was cancer and in August 2021, his prostate was removed. In 2023, John was experiencing some pain in his neck and numbness in his arm and jaw. After a trip to urgent care, doctors discovered a mass on his third vertebrae. He was admitted into North Memorial hospital for additional testing where it was determined he had Myeloma. John was back in surgery and had his vertebrae removed and replaced with plates, screws and bars. Follow up testing revealed he had Multiple Myeloma and the cancer had spread to his shoulder blades, ribs, pelvic bone and both femurs. In October of 2023, he started radiation treatment that continued into 2024. In October of 2024, he ruptured his left bicep that he injured while moving furniture and had to have another surgery to have it reattached to his arm.

After multiple radiation treatments for his Multiple Myeloma, it was decided by the doctors that he should start chemotherapy. In March of 2025, John started his first rounds of treatment consisting of weekly injections at the Cancer Center in Robbinsdale in addition to oral medication he takes at home. The weekly injections cost on average $30,500. In addition, the oral pills cost $2000 per pill. John takes 14 pills every 21 days so every three weeks it costs an additional $28,000. Not all is covered by insurance. John is currently scheduled for 12 weeks of treatment. After his treatment, later in 2025, he will be getting a bone marrow transplant at the U of M.

This all seems like more than any one man should ever have to handle but unfortunately there’s more. Recently, John took his 2004 Toyota Tacoma with 225,000 miles into his mechanic as he was experiencing issues. The mechanics informed him that the truck frame was starting to sag. The price to fix was well in excess of what the truck was even worth and with all of his medical expenses, this is more than he can afford. So now John is driving a truck that is unsafe.

Through all of his challenges, John stays positive and has a strong faith. He finds the courage to go on by working his recovery program and being there for others. He is one of the most selfless men I know. John has sponsored many men in the 12-step recovery program. He has been a board member at an organization called the Branch, which provides a healing environment to those who have incurred medical or physical injury while serving our country. He is a steering committee member of the Minneapolis Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a group that provides support to those who have lost a child, grandchild or siblings. He is currently a trustee at the Knights of Columbus and a past Grand Knight, raising funds through various means to aide those in need. He is a current board member with the Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited, educating men and women on the sport of fishing and passing the sport onto the next generations. He has been on the finance committee, the pastoral ministry board, the business council and Catechist core member at his local church. He served on the Twin West Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth Business Council which he chaired, he was a football and baseball coach in the Osseo Maple Grove Athletic Association. John is a great man and is carrying a big load. He has done so much for others. He is trying to keep himself afloat and is still trying to make a living the best as he can with all of his health issues. However, it has not been easy. With all of his medical expenses and just daily living expenses he’s struggling. I know John does not want a handout, but he sure could use a hand up!

John is only 61 years old, and I would like to see him enjoy his life without being under a mountain of debt and having all the worries he carries. After his son’s death, he struggled with his will to live. Today, after his years in recovery and helping so many others, John found joy again and a purpose to live. If you can find it in your heart to help John, it would be much appreciated. God knows he deserves it. If you aren’t able to monetarily give to John, please pass his story on to others so we can help John reach his goal. Join us all in praying for John. Thank you.