AJ Yergensen Cancer Fight

On December 14th, 2023, our family's lives were drastically changed when AJ Yergensen had an emergency flight for life up to Northern Utah to have a tumor removed from his spine. It started weeks before with back pain and sleepless nights. After a few weeks of increasing pain and concerning loss of sensation in his lower limbs, he and his wife, Kyleigh, knew something was wrong. After pushing for further care and investigation, an MRI revealed a baseball-sized tumor compressing his lower spine and spinal cord. The surgery to remove the tumor was a success, but as a result of the surgery, AJ had to have his lumbar vertebrae fused: 5 screws, 37 staples. While there was some concern that AJ’s road to recovery would be long and that full sensation would return, AJ defied odds and showed unbeatable strength. After a nerve-wracking 10 days in the hospital, AJ was walking once again and well enough to be discharged, just in time to celebrate Christmas with his wife (26) and children, Jemma (3) and Andrew Perry (1). Thanks to the generous charity that many members of the community have already provided, AJ and Kyleigh’s extended families were able to bring them home to 2 happy kiddos, a newly cleaned and decorated house, delicious Christmas dinner, Christmas gifts, gift cards, and so much more.

While AJ’s story fills us all with admiration, respect, and hope, we also know this is just the beginning for this young Yergensen family. Further scans found a dozen tumors of varying sizes throughout AJ’s body, and AJ has since been diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. This means the cancer has spread throughout the body. While this is one of the most difficult stages to fight, in AJ’s true nature, he is being optimistic that remission is in his future and he is resilient in the face of this challenge. Meanwhile, our family is ready to dig deep, have faith, and fight the fight with him the best we can.

AJ is scheduled to begin radiation treatments on January 8th and then immunotherapy treatments on January 22nd. Following that, more data will be collected on the progress of the cancer, and AJ’s treatment plan will be updated. Even in remission, however, AJ will need to receive MRIs and PET scans for the rest of his life to monitor the cancer. AJ is 29 years old, in great physical shape, and is steadfastly brave and formidable. AJ is the man to beat this.

Unfortunately, this trial could not have come at a worse time. The Yergensen family just bought their first home, and, due to the two toddlers, AJ has been the sole breadwinner for his young family. Also, due to the time of year these medical services were rendered, AJ is expected to pay full out-of-pocket maximums for the 2023 and 2024 plan years for a total of $20,000 in medical expenses alone. With AJ needing to take medical leave to battle cancer, the payments of their new house, and incoming medical bills, it’s fair to say this hardship has put financial strain on the Yergensens.

Which is why we reach out to you in this time of great need, as we rally together to support AJ in his courageous cancer battle. We have created this channel as a way to ease their financial burden, allowing AJ to focus on recovery. AJ has always had an independent and indomitable spirit and was taught that it’s always better to give than to receive. But his family also knows that an environment of low stress and positivity can aid in recovering and restoring him to full health. We also wanted to create this channel because we know that AJ is beloved by so many people who just want to help. So for that, we offer heartfelt thanks. Thank you for reading and considering a contribution, thank you for sharing this campaign, thank you for any donation of any size, thank you for your prayers, thank you for your support. Thank you most of all for fighting this fight with us, in whatever way you can.

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