Help Gary Fight Pancreatic Cancer

Dear friends, family and community,

Please consider helping our family as our dad (Gary Jahnke) battles stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

A little background...

In June 2023, Gary and his sister were putting flowers at their father’s gravesite when she noticed he looked yellow. He had also been feeling extremely tired so he went to the emergency room. A litany of tests began. He was transported to Iowa City for a procedure and then the devastating diagnosis came. On June 1, 2023, we received the heartbreaking news that the biopsy and imaging revealed a cancerous mass in his pancreas. Shortly after his diagnosis, we received uplifting news that Gary was a candidate for more aggressive chemotherapy. So onwards, the first bloodwork after his chemotherapy started show the tumor was shrinking. In rolls the week of July 17th and unbearable abdominal pain starts. Early morning of Tuesday, July 18th Gary goes into the ER. CT scans, phone calls, meetings, etc. Gary now faces a partially blocked, inflamed colon. Huge decisions had to be made when the doctor found more cancer on the abdominal wall of his stomach. Plans changed and so the next procedure need to be less invasive because of finding more cancer. A colostomy was performed that afternoon. This procedure was needed to give the colon and surrounding tissues time to heal, then it can be reconnected at a later date. Gary’s oncologist arrived that afternoon with the devastating news that the cancer is stage four and surgery to remove the tumor in the pancreas was no longer an option.

Gary is facing the toughest battle of his life – stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He has travelled to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to find the best treatments to fight this awful disease. Gary underwent crucial genetic testing, incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.

He completed the initial 12 rounds of chemotherapy and he now faces additional surgeries and a continued aggressive chemotherapy routine. He will need surgery to replace the stint in his pancreas on an ongoing basis. To date he has 2 stint replacement surgeries with the next one scheduled later in March, 2024.

Gary has kept his spirits high and has done everything he can to battle this aggressive and unrelenting illness. Navigating cancer treatment has been a relentless journey of hospital visits and chemotherapy sessions, leaving Gary unable to work and grappling with profound physical, emotional, and financial strain.

Gary has served our country and community throughout his life. Gary is an Army Veteran who proudly served during the Vietnam Era. This disease forced his retirement from Fassport/Molo Oil Company after 21 years. Gary has been very active in the community. He has served on the Church Council, Building and Grounds Committee and Garden Club at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church. Gary was on the Board of Directors for the Rescue Mission in Dubuque serving community members in need. Gary also served on the Church Council, Preschool Board and Building & Grounds committee at Lord of Life Church in Asbury. Today, we can repay Gary’s kindness and support him in his time of need. We appreciate all of the love and support already received from our family and friends.

Cancer is expensive. Gary’s insurance covers a lot of medical expenses but there have been many hidden costs, out of pocket costs and combined with the loss of income, this disease has created a financial strain. Despite his will for independence, we know as this disease progresses, he will also need assistance with his daily activities, which will be another enormous out-of-pocket expense.

If you’re able, please help us support Gary in his fight against pancreatic cancer. Your generous donations of any size will be used for Gary’s medical expenses and ongoing care. No matter how big or small, your contribution will make a tremendous difference in providing comfort, support, hope and strength for Gary.

Collectively, we can alleviate the financial stress and allow Gary to focus on his battle and recovery. We believe in the power of hope, prayer and positivity as we battle this cancer together, because nobody fights alone.

Please share this Gofundme among anyone else who may want to donate funds to support Gary’s fight.

We will update everyone on his progress along the way.

Thank you for your compassion, kindness and generosity. Please keep Gary in your thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for your love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.

Gary’s motto:

One day at a time, one step at a time.