Andy's Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
Growing up we had nothing in common which led to countless arguments, fists thrown and "I hate you!" being screamed at one another constantly. We were brothers, but we could not have been further from friends.
In 2008 I hugged my brother goodbye as he left for Marine Corps basic training. I watched as he walked by himself towards a great unknown without ever looking back. No second thought, no fear, and nobody by his side. I was inspired, motivated and moved by the man I thought I knew, but had obviously underestimated for the past 17 years.
Weeks later I enlisted in the Marine Corps to follow in his footsteps and earn the respect of the man whose approval I now desperately sought. Andy was there for me from day one as I shipped off to boot camp myself, giving me that same hug goodbye that I once gave him a year prior. He walked with me from my terminal at the airport all the way to the line to get on the bus that would take me to the Recruit Depot. He told me everything to expect, what not to do, when to speak, small things that would make my three months far easier than he or any other recruit had it. He wrote letters to me while I was there motivating and encouraging me to stay strong and keep pushing daily reassuring me it would be over soon.
As I stood there on graduation day, prouder than I've ever been, the first person I saw in the giant crowd of several hundred people made up of families, friends and loved ones supporting their new Marines, was Andy. I'll never forget the feeling of the chills that ran down my body thinking of how proud he was of me.
After boot camp I went on to Marine Combat Training where we were given weekends off, and Andy would come pick me up and spend the weekend with me before taking me back Sunday. Every time he dropped me off I would get severe homesickness, but would always receive a text until the very last second before they took our phones away telling me everything would be ok and reminding me to stay strong and just try to make it through one day at a time. Again, my brother remained my strength when I needed it most.
I would eventually receive orders to Camp Pendleton, CA where Andy was also stationed. Over the next four years we became closer than I would have ever imagined. We spent countless late nights together having drinks and talking about our current lives and what the future would be once we were both finished with our service. We talked about the jobs we would have, where we would live, the future holidays we'd get to spend with our family again, and much more.
Over those four years, my brother quickly became more than my role model, but truly my best friend. I could go to him for anything and always knew he wanted what was best for me and what would make me the happiest. I never expected him to be there for me the way he was, yet no matter the situation, he was always there.
On October 14, 2020 Andy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma after almost a year of severe pain, fatigue and questions about what was going on with his body. I watched as the strongest man I knew worked over 60 hours per week at times all while unknowingly having stage 4 cancer. I watched as he got passed around from doctor to doctor without receiving any answers, but plenty of medical bills in the mail.
I am starting this fundraiser to assist with past and future medical bills that will continue to acrue as he receives his treatment. My goal is to relieve Andy of any extra stress that is sure to come with the financial burden that awaits him throughout his treatment and care so that he can focus solely on his physical health and winning his fight.
Andy is one of the greatest warriors you will ever meet and I have no doubt he will win this battle, but he will need every bit of his strength dedicated to his mental and physical health in order to accomplish this.
I wouldn't be the man I am today without my brother's continued love, encouragement and support throughout my life. It's now my turn to return the favor and be there for him as he continues to fight his new battle each day.
Andy is by far one of the most generous individuals I have ever met. I always joke that if anyone were to win the lottery, you would want it to be Andy because you can count on all of us becoming millionares. Please consider donating to this great cause to help support a local veteran, a loving father and a great friend.
Jon Neumann
In 2008 I hugged my brother goodbye as he left for Marine Corps basic training. I watched as he walked by himself towards a great unknown without ever looking back. No second thought, no fear, and nobody by his side. I was inspired, motivated and moved by the man I thought I knew, but had obviously underestimated for the past 17 years.
Weeks later I enlisted in the Marine Corps to follow in his footsteps and earn the respect of the man whose approval I now desperately sought. Andy was there for me from day one as I shipped off to boot camp myself, giving me that same hug goodbye that I once gave him a year prior. He walked with me from my terminal at the airport all the way to the line to get on the bus that would take me to the Recruit Depot. He told me everything to expect, what not to do, when to speak, small things that would make my three months far easier than he or any other recruit had it. He wrote letters to me while I was there motivating and encouraging me to stay strong and keep pushing daily reassuring me it would be over soon.
As I stood there on graduation day, prouder than I've ever been, the first person I saw in the giant crowd of several hundred people made up of families, friends and loved ones supporting their new Marines, was Andy. I'll never forget the feeling of the chills that ran down my body thinking of how proud he was of me.
After boot camp I went on to Marine Combat Training where we were given weekends off, and Andy would come pick me up and spend the weekend with me before taking me back Sunday. Every time he dropped me off I would get severe homesickness, but would always receive a text until the very last second before they took our phones away telling me everything would be ok and reminding me to stay strong and just try to make it through one day at a time. Again, my brother remained my strength when I needed it most.
I would eventually receive orders to Camp Pendleton, CA where Andy was also stationed. Over the next four years we became closer than I would have ever imagined. We spent countless late nights together having drinks and talking about our current lives and what the future would be once we were both finished with our service. We talked about the jobs we would have, where we would live, the future holidays we'd get to spend with our family again, and much more.
Over those four years, my brother quickly became more than my role model, but truly my best friend. I could go to him for anything and always knew he wanted what was best for me and what would make me the happiest. I never expected him to be there for me the way he was, yet no matter the situation, he was always there.
On October 14, 2020 Andy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma after almost a year of severe pain, fatigue and questions about what was going on with his body. I watched as the strongest man I knew worked over 60 hours per week at times all while unknowingly having stage 4 cancer. I watched as he got passed around from doctor to doctor without receiving any answers, but plenty of medical bills in the mail.
I am starting this fundraiser to assist with past and future medical bills that will continue to acrue as he receives his treatment. My goal is to relieve Andy of any extra stress that is sure to come with the financial burden that awaits him throughout his treatment and care so that he can focus solely on his physical health and winning his fight.
Andy is one of the greatest warriors you will ever meet and I have no doubt he will win this battle, but he will need every bit of his strength dedicated to his mental and physical health in order to accomplish this.
I wouldn't be the man I am today without my brother's continued love, encouragement and support throughout my life. It's now my turn to return the favor and be there for him as he continues to fight his new battle each day.
Andy is by far one of the most generous individuals I have ever met. I always joke that if anyone were to win the lottery, you would want it to be Andy because you can count on all of us becoming millionares. Please consider donating to this great cause to help support a local veteran, a loving father and a great friend.
Jon Neumann
Organizer and beneficiary
Jon Neumann
Organizer
Albany, OR
Jonathan Neumann
Beneficiary
