In January, Brian was diagnosed with Stage 3 Esophageal Cancer, and Barrett’s Esophagus. Barrett's Esophagus is a condition in which the flat pink lining of esophagus becomes damaged by acid reflux, which causes the lining to thicken and become red, which in turn can often lead to cancer.

On February 15th, he started chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The radiation treatments will last for 28 days with 5 rounds of chemo included during this time. Brian assumed he would be able to work with no issues, but the effects of the chemo and raditaion treatments have already greatly dimensioned his ability to work on a consistent basis. There is already a concern for his future medical bills, especially considering he will still be looking at surgery after his treatments.

4-8 weeks after his treatments he will have surgery. The surgery will be out of his insurance network and very extensive. He was told it will require a hospital stay for 10-14 days and the recovery will be a minimum of 2 months of which he will not be able to work. This time will include lots of different kinds of therapy including a feeding tube. Due to this and the nature of his treatment and illness, we have decided not to form a Meal Train.

Since he is already into his treatments, we can tell this will be a difficult road, but we are prayerful and very encouraged by the medical team that he will be cancer free by the end of this journey!

This will be a hard road for Brian trying to work and battle this, but they are so touched that so many people have reached out wanting to help and bless Brian and Keri and Conor during this time! ❤️Even having one less thing they need to worry about will be a relief for them over the challenge of the next few months.

I will try to keep this page updated with medical updates so everyone can stay informed. I know your donations will be so appreciated and your prayers are much needed!

Thanks to everyone! -Mary Jo

***One quick note: Brian has requested if someone knows his mother they not reach out to her. He and his family agree that due to her dementia she can not fully process all the details of Brian's diagnosis and treatment. She is aware of his illness and they will be keeping her updated. ❤️